‘He was in love with someone else. But I think that’s all over now. At least, I truly hope it is. Hannah says he does love me, but he was very hurt the last time. Maybe that’s why he seems keen one minute, and aloof the next. He has kissed me, though. But when I’m on my own, I think it’s impossible he could feel the same for me as he did for this other girl. So perhaps I’m fooling myself, and it’s a leftover childhood dream. All in my head.’

‘I think you know better than that,’ Allie said.

‘When it comes to love, none of us seems to know better,’ Sarah said. ‘Piet made a mistake. And look at Hannah. She could have had Lars, who’s a far better person than Viktor. And I don’t know what I can tell her that will make her see sense.’

‘Tell her to stick with the good guy,’ Allie said instantly. ‘The one who’ll be there for her when she’s going grey, and her skin is getting wrinkled, and covered with brown blotches! Maybe Lars should have made his move earlier. Maybe he was too safe, too solid, when she needed a bit of excitement. But she needs to know that with Viktor you have your fill and you move on. Or go back to the tried and true.’

‘I have to find a way of saying that,’ Sarah agreed. ‘And it won’t be easy.’

‘And you, my girl, shouldn’t spend too many hours wondering whether Piet loves you as much, or the same, or more, than this other lass. Grab what he offers with both hands, and celebrate it! The rest will grow.’ She gave Sarah an affectionate nudge. ‘I thank God for Dan every day and I love him, warts and all. He’s the man for me and I wouldn’t want to spend my life with anyone else. But for great sex? Hmmm. And there endeth the sermon.’

She was laughing as they drove on towards the manyatta, the sun high over their heads. Sarah looked at her and smiled, glad of the trust and affection growing between them. I have made the right choice, she thought. I was right to come back to Kenya, and I’m right in thinking that Piet is the one for me, no matter how long it takes.

Chapter 23

Kenya, December 1965

As Sarah drove in through the gates of Langani Farm, her hands were clammy. She had tried not to imagine her first moments with Piet, but now she could no longer put her hopes aside. The roof of the farmhouse came into view at the last bend, honeysuckle obscuring the chimney tops, the sweep of lawn and the glowing mosaic of Lottie’s garden. The dogs ran out to the car, and Hannah stood waiting on the steps. With Lottie.