‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘It’s much more than you should have—’ She looked down at the bracelet, wordless and confused, unprepared for his hands turning her face up to him so that he could kiss her. She stepped back quickly, trying to make light of the incident, aware of her parents’ approving glances. It was Edward who saved her further embarrassment.

‘Into the kitchen with you. I need an assistant. Marina, I suggest you lie down for an hour or two. Doctor’s orders.’

‘I’ll get some wood from the shed and keep the fire banked up,’ George said, a shade too hearty.

As the sky darkened in the afternoon Edward left to freshen up at the Bear, and Camilla sat down with her father, pouring him a cup of tea.

‘I want to tell you about Langani Farm, and what’s been happening there,’ she said. ‘Piet’s built this wonderful lodge, you’ve probably heard about in Nairobi. It’s going to open very soon.’

George had already discussed the question of Langani with Anthony. But he did not want to bring that name into the present conversation, so he listened without comment as Camilla detailed the incidents and troubles surrounding the farm and the lodge.

‘Piet can’t finance the farm and the lodge, and protect the wildlife area he’s set up, plus organise rangers or guards, all single-handed. It’s very expensive. So I wondered if your organisation could help. If you do that kind of thing.’

‘It’s possible,’ he said. ‘I’ll be leaving for Nairobi around the middle of January. Maybe I can work out the basis of a grant before then, although it would take a few weeks before any money actually started to flow. Langani as a conservation area looks like a worthwhile project. Our organisation likes the idea of ranchers and farmers doing this kind of thing. I’ll give it priority as soon as I get back to the office.’

His words brought a kind of absolution for Camilla, a reprieve from her failings, a flicker of hope that would enable her to repair her broken connection with the people she loved most. The remainder of their Christmas celebration passed quickly. Edward left for London two days later. He wanted her to join him on New Year’s Eve when there would be a small dinner party at his flat, but Camilla was noncommittal. Marina had fared remarkably well, but it was time to return to London and the close supervision of her doctor.

‘I’ve done so well,’ she said. ‘And now I feel strong enough to enjoy the Santinis’ visit. They’re coming from Rome for a few days. We could have a quiet dinner with them on New Year’s Eve. You’d like that, George, wouldn’t you? And Camilla’s been wonderful, but she’ll soon be getting cabin fever.’