‘I believe there’s a place here for people with faith and vision, and goodwill. I hope so,’ George said. ‘The Secretary of State is attempting a tricky balancing act, but I think we can provide a fair arrangement for most interests. We won’t be able to please everyone, though.’

‘You must find yourself in an increasingly difficult position, George.’ The Ghanaian doctor smiled and Betty caught the glitter of gold teeth. ‘Surely Her Majesty’s government cannot expect to sort out the emotive issue of land, before Independence? And Kenya has the additional problem of the Indian population and their vast commercial enterprise. They seem to be much less popular than the white man.’

‘I’m taking a break from the politics of Independence this week,’ George said. ‘It becomes a little wearisome from time to time. Right now I’m more interested in finishing a couple of thrillers, and spending a few days deep-sea fishing.’

‘Now, this is a red wine from Spain – a Rioja.’ Raphael’s tone was overly jolly. ‘Very palatable. Tim, perhaps you’ll pour while I carve the meat.’

‘But this time next year, it will all be over for you, sir.’ Piet could not let the subject drop.

Lottie looked up, surprised. Sarah heard the determination in his voice and choked a little on her food. He seemed to her so brave, his face passionate in the candlelight, as he addressed the older men. Her heart was thumping and she put down her knife and fork to still her hands.

‘I’ve no idea where I might be this time next year, young man.’ George was visibly irritated.

‘You’ll be in some other embassy, sir. But we will still be here, trying to hold on to our land and to build a new country under the rules you left behind.’

‘Piet, this isn’t the time for a discussion about farming after Independence.’ Lottie stared hard at her son and then turned to her husband for support. But Jan sat back in his chair, his expression proud as he regarded Piet.

‘It’s all right, Lottie,’ George said. ‘It’s the younger generation, like your son, who have the responsibility of continuing here, if they can leave the old prejudices behind and see themselves as Kenyans first, regardless of their origins or colour.’

‘But the priority is surely the future of indigenous Kenyans?’ Dr Hayford said. ‘Their politicians have made promises they cannot deliver. There are tribal loyalties that will not be easily resolved. In Ghana we have already discovered these pitfalls, and we are far from resolving them.’

‘Kenyatta is doing a great deal to bring all the players together,’ George said. ‘His spirit of Harambee is not just a catchphrase – he seems able to make people believe in the possibility of integration. He’s a remarkable man, and I think he’ll prove a great statesman.’

‘But he’s a Kikuyu,’ Raphael said. ‘How will the other tribes, with their own scores to settle, fit into this process of sharing out parcels of land?’