‘A place called Langani Farm. It’s going to be organised by a mate of mine from way back. Piet van der Beer. Actually, he comes from up near where you girls were incarcerated.’ He listened to their exclamations, surprised at the coincidence. ‘Well, he’s got a fine plan there, although it won’t be easy to find the money for it. But Piet’s a good man and if anyone can pull it off, he can.’ Anthony turned his attention to Camilla. ‘So, what’s the latest?’

‘Same as before.’ She shrugged. ‘The parents are still adamant that my chosen career is too bohemian, whatever that means. I don’t think either of them has ever set eyes on anything bohemian. So I’ve agreed to obtain some worthy qualification before starting drama school. Let’s not talk about it. Just rest assured I’ll be beautiful, brilliant and famous sometime soon.’

‘Well, you’re most of those already.’ His eyes narrowed as he lightly touched her wrist, and Sarah saw tell-tale goose bumps appear on Camilla’s bare arm. ‘I’m off to join my clients. Good to meet you, Sarah. Behave yourself, Camilla. I have my spies, so I’ll be keeping an eye on you from afar. Maybe you’ll come with me to the Christmas Eve thing at Muthaiga? My clients will probably want to come into town for a couple of days around then.’

‘Maybe.’ The obvious pleasure in her smile belied the nonchalant reply. ‘What a surprise that you know about Piet’s great scheme.’

‘Us good guys have to stick together. Salaams to you both.’

Sarah watched him stride away, his limbs absurdly long, his movement loping and graceful. When he was out of earshot, she turned back to Camilla.

‘You have an admirer.’

‘He’s just a bush baby.’ Camilla’s eyes followed him as he climbed into his Land Rover and drove away. ‘Looks particularly good on a horse, I must say. I’ve seen him playing polo. But better suited to a rattling four-wheel drive full of dust, in the middle of nowhere.’

‘He’s much more than that. Intelligent. Passionate about what he’s doing. Plus he’s nice looking.’

‘Too skinny and gingery. There are plenty more where he comes from.’

‘Oh come on, Camilla. I think your heart was fluttering there.’

‘I’m not going to be derailed by a Kenya cowboy. I have plans that he doesn’t fit into at all. Now, let’s go back to Muthaiga and swim. It’s much too hot here.’

‘Darling.’ Marina was in the sitting room when they arrived back at the house in the late afternoon. ‘We’re going out for dinner, but Daddy’s home early. He’ll be down in a minute. Let’s all have a drink together.’

‘Brace yourself,’ Camilla muttered in an undertone. ‘This will be “Happy Families” like you’ve never known it.’