‘Well, it’s true. We’ve had such happy times over the last five years, and it’s scary to think that Langani won’t be just a half-hour down the road, waiting for us at the weekend,’ Sarah said. ‘At least it will still be the centre of the world for you, Hannah. You and Piet will carry on the farm one day. He’ll start his game reserve and his viewing lodge and—’

‘I know it’s home, and I love it. But sometimes it feels so far from everything.’

‘Far from what, for God’s sake?’ Sarah said.

‘From other people. From whatever’s new in the world. It’s fine for you. You come to visit for a short while. But if you had to live here all the time with just your parents—’

‘And Piet. You can’t really complain about having him around, can you? I wouldn’t mind having a big brother like that.’ Camilla turned away from the moon-washed garden.

‘I used to think I’d have a ball when all his friends came visiting.’ Hannah rolled her eyes. ‘But all they do is drink beer and talk about farming and politics and rugby, and the girls they’ve met in Nairobi or Nanyuki. They don’t even notice me.’

‘My brother’s friends have never thought of me as a human being either. But one day someone will see you – really see you – and that will be it,’ Sarah said.

‘I’m too big. Big and heavy like Pa’s oxen. I don’t know why I couldn’t have been small and neat and dark like Ma instead. Maybe they should have sent me to the heifer boma after all!’

‘You’re tall, not big. You’ve got thick, blonde hair that’s beautiful, and you run like the wind. When I run, I get scarlet in the face and I’m ashamed to let anyone see me until I look normal again. Plus you play good tennis and ride really well. You looked so stately today on your horse.’

‘Stately? That’s not very attractive.’

‘We can’t all look like Camilla,’ said Sarah. ‘It’s unfair that she has a perfect figure, large blue eyes and no spots on her skin. She even has a brain.’

Camilla said nothing. She seemed to be peering at something beyond the window, and she leaned forward and tapped lightly on the glass. Then she turned, put her feet back on to the floor and smiled at them.

‘Are you coming to bed?’ Sarah asked.

‘Not for a few moments. You go on. I’ll see you in a while.’