‘You people have a nightcap. I have a very early start in the morning,’ she said. She hesitated and then framed the next question carefully. ‘Sarah, will you be all right – I mean, comfortable? On your own?’ There was relief in her eyes as Sarah nodded, coupled with regret at the need to ask. ‘Goodnight then, you nocturnal animals. I’ll be pretty busy until noon, but I’ll see you at lunchtime.’

‘What time do you want to leave for the lodge, Piet?’ Sarah looked at him, waiting for some hint that her return meant something special.

‘We could start off early, take breakfast with us. The light will be beautiful for your camera. Simon will have the car ready around seven.’ Piet went over to the drinks table. ‘Anyone for a brandy now? I’m going to have one, to wash away the day in Nairobi. Anthony?’

‘Not for me, thanks. I’m off first thing, back to all those city shauris I hate. I’ll leave you night birds to it.’ He grinned at Sarah as the give-away colouring rose in her cheeks, but she was determined to be bold.

‘Night, Anthony. Thanks again for today,’ she said. ‘Yes, I’d love a brandy, Piet.’

There was a comfortable silence between them as they sat by the fire, looking up at one another from time to time, listening to the crackle and spit of the logs, and the small, contented groans and dream-twitching yips of the dogs stretched out on the rug.

‘So tell me about your folks, and Tim.’ Piet stirred in his chair and stretched out his long legs. ‘I’ll bet they were pretty surprised about your decision.’

‘Surprised would be a mild word for it.’ Sarah sighed as she recalled the heated discussions. ‘They were full of dire warnings, and I had an awful row with Tim. He’s like an old man since he got engaged to this nurse. Stuffy, cautious and dull.’

‘He was always more sensible than the rest of us.’ Piet smiled. ‘Don’t be hard on him. I’m sure he’s just worried about you.’

‘Dad was the most supportive,’ Sarah said. ‘I was amazed when he took my side, against Mum particularly. But then I felt so bad when I left him at the airport, and I saw how he hated me to go.’

‘I expect he saw that there was no point trying to stop you once you got that look in your eye. Little Sarah.’ Piet’s voice had softened. ‘Such a stubborn lady you are. I thought they taught you to be submissive in the convent. I’m glad you skipped those classes and you’re here.’