‘It’s so good to see Piet so optimistic again,’ Hannah said. ‘Things have been bad lately. He was beginning to lose heart. We all were.’

‘I know how desperately you still need financial help.’

‘When did you last talk to her?’ Hannah asked, her aggressive tone reflecting the change of subject.

‘A few days ago. I was planning to stop in London, but she didn’t want to see me.’

‘She obviously never spoke to her father. I was so worried about her. I felt partly responsible for what happened, because she was here on our farm and she had organised our wonderful holiday with Anthony. She did so much, seemed so happy. So concerned about Langani. And after she left I kept thinking about how scared she must be, after being attacked. And maybe having her career ruined as well.’

‘I think her face is going to be fine.’

‘I can’t keep ringing her,’ Hannah said. ‘It’s very expensive. She never replied to my letter. So we have to face it. All her fine promises were hot air. Langani is an unhappy memory, and she wants to put it behind her. I don’t think she cares about us at all.’

‘I don’t know, Han. She sounded so strange on the phone. She said she’d seen George. They hadn’t discussed Langani, but she hoped they would. I thought you might have heard from her, because she mentioned coming back here.’

‘I must admit, I did feel sorry for her with Anthony. That was rough.’

‘I agree. I remember you saying he’s great out in the bush, but pretty superficial when it comes to other people’s feelings. He had his fling with Camilla, and then he dumped her. She was really devastated.’

‘So now she knows how Piet felt, when she wiped the floor with him,’ Hannah retorted.

‘Hannah!’

‘I’m sorry. That was a bitchy thing to say. I hope her face gets repaired, and she can continue along her path to fame and fortune. But I can’t believe she never spoke to her father. As for Anthony, we’re not responsible for his behaviour. I’m sure he didn’t make any promises. You know what these hunter types are like. Hell, let’s get off the subject of Camilla.’

‘Yes, let’s. So what about the farm?’

‘Not too bad, now. The thing with the cattle made a big dent in our dairy figures. The herdsmen were spooked, and two of them disappeared as soon as they were paid at the end of the month. Piet and Lars haggled with the bank and bought some heifers at a good price, so we’re slowly getting back to normal.’ She hesitated. ‘He’s clever when it comes to negotiating, Lars.’

‘You two don’t seem to be on very good terms.’