‘She was dining with the money man,’ Dan said, grinning at her. ‘George Broughton-Smith was here. I hear his outfit is going to donate some money for rhino protection in the area.’

‘He’s a good man,’ Allie said. ‘Sound. Doesn’t get carried away with wild schemes or get bullied by politicians. How much time does he spend in Nairobi these days?’

‘I do not move in those circles,’ Viktor said. ‘He is still friendly with the diplomatic crowd, but I think he spends his leisure time engaged in other pursuits that are not of interest to me.’

‘What pursuits?’ Sarah said, puzzled.

‘You are too young and innocent to discuss this subject,’ Viktor said, with a knowing look, and his wicked laugh. He lit a cigar. ‘We will not talk about such things at dinner. They make me nervous.’

Sarah refused coffee and excused herself. She was weary and she wanted to look over her notes for the day, and think about what she would say to Camilla. If she could find the energy to write to her tonight, perhaps Viktor would take it to Nairobi and post it. She sat down at her table, turned up the paraffin lantern and took up her pen, just as there was a knock on the door.

‘Viktor.’ She was less than pleased to see him. ‘I’m trying to write an important letter. Now that I think of it, perhaps you’d post it for me in Nairobi tomorrow?’

‘You have barely spoken a word to me this evening,’ he said. ‘And I have travelled across stony deserts and dangerous country filled with man-eating beasts in order to find you.’

‘Viktor,’ she said, placing her hand firmly on his chest and pushing him away, ‘I’m sure you’re trying to cheer me, but actually it doesn’t help.’ She stopped, her mouth twisted in pain. ‘Please understand that it’s all I can do to open my eyes every morning, and try to carry on like a normal human being. I can’t deal with anything else.’

‘Of course. I understand this,’ he said. ‘But there are many forms of consolation, and—’

‘No, Viktor. It could never be like that. For heaven’s sake, leave me be. Go to bed. In the morning I’ll give you my letter to Camilla to post. That’s all I want from you.’

‘Ah, the daughter.’ His smile was not pleasant. ‘Strange how they try to hide it, these men. But it always comes out in the end.’

‘What comes out?’ she asked. There was a mild fluttering in her stomach.

‘He is like many of these very grand, high-born Englishmen.’ He was waving his hand in a little upward gesture, the meaning unmistakable. ‘From their school days they learn to like little boys.’

‘No, that can’t be right. Nairobi is full of ugly rumours and vicious gossip.’