In the sitting room, the women stood in uneasy silence, no ripple of conversation breaking the chilly surface. Fishing seemed to be the neutral topic of conversation between the men, and Dr Hayford was describing the painted fishing boats of Ghana. Raphael thought he might lighten the atmosphere with a little music, and chose a record.

‘Oh, how lovely – I adore Nat King Cole.’ Marina turned to Dr Hayford. ‘Only black singers have that sound that feels like warm treacle being poured over one. Would you like to dance with me, Winston?’

Lottie fixed a stern eye on Jan who had made an involuntary, hissing noise. Betty’s hand flew up to her pearls and she was at a loss for suitable words until her husband held out his hand.

‘And you, my dear. Will you come and dance with me? I know this is a favourite of yours.’

Bright headlights beamed through the long windows and Winston Hayford smiled regretfully. ‘Ah. My car is here.’ He lifted his embroidered cap from a small table and handed it to Marina. ‘I’d like to offer you a small gift, madam. I hope it will remind you of this evening, and perhaps bring you to an understanding of my country and my continent one day.’

‘How terribly kind.’ She looked up at him, smiling a little and placing her hand over his. ‘I shall look forward to your helping me, on that issue. If you are still here over New Year, perhaps you can join our celebrations? Dinner and dancing?’

‘Ah – not this time, I fear.’ His smile was wry. ‘I think that day has not yet arrived. However, I hope we will dine and dance together on a future occasion. Under other circumstances, and a different flag perhaps. I will look forward to it. Goodnight to you all.’

Betty accompanied him to the door. ‘We’ve never met Marina Broughton-Smith before. She seems a little unpredictable.’

‘My dear lady, you and Raphael have been wonderful hosts. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening.’ He paused, weighing his next words. ‘Sometimes, when a beautiful woman carries a great deal of unhappiness with her, it adds to her mystique. One can only hope that she will find harmony one day. In the meantime she is only succeeding in hurting herself.’ He smiled. ‘Don’t chastise your staff too much, Betty. Or your guests. Adjustment takes patience.’

‘Interesting man. A wonderful example of the best that can happen, when our two cultures meet and learn from one another.’ George Broughton-Smith sipped his brandy. ‘I’d be happy to see more like him on the political benches in Nairobi.’