‘In years to come, perhaps. After all, West Africans are very different people. More sophisticated and cultured.’ Raphael had been unnerved by the political conversation in the Ghanaian’s presence. Here in Kenya any subject with racial connotations was now a minefield, if there were Africans present. ‘It’s easy to believe that everything is in better order where he comes from, but corruption is a gigantic problem in West Africa. In any case, he has abandoned his country and accepted an appointment in London for the next couple of years.’

‘I think it’s time we left, George, darling.’ Marina had risen and was gliding towards the hall. ‘Camilla, why don’t you join us tomorrow night? We’re going to celebrate New Year with our friends from the High Commission. I know you like Robert Harper, the PC’s son. He’ll be there, I’m sure.’

‘I’m staying here, Mother. With my own friends.’

‘Camilla, your mother deserves rather more—’ George was looking at his daughter with something like despair.

‘Oh, I expect we’ll see her soon. Won’t we Camilla, darling?’ Marina’s face had become white and strained. ‘Unless you plan to spend all your time with your various surrogate parents.’

‘We should make our way back to the beach house.’ Lottie suddenly realised that this woman’s twisted expression was a sign of jealousy. Jealousy, and anguish too. For a moment she was sorry for Marina. She signalled to her family, anxious to distance herself from the Broughton-Smiths and the fraught atmosphere that surrounded them. ‘Betty and Raphael, thank you for a fine dinner. We’ll see you tomorrow night.’

‘Camilla?’ George spoke her name urgently, pausing on the front steps.

‘Don’t worry, George, darling,’ Marina said. ‘Your little girl will be knocking on your door all too soon, pressing you for a discussion on her cause of the moment. For all the good it may do.’ She turned to Jan. ‘I’m sure you realise that my husband cannot afford to make representations on behalf of people with reputations like yours.’

‘What does that mean, Mother?’ Camilla stepped forward.

‘That’s enough, Marina. It’s time we were leaving.’ Her husband addressed her with barely concealed fury. He turned to hug his daughter briefly. ‘We’ll discuss this another time, Camilla.’

‘Why don’t you dispense with all these false hopes, George?’ Marina ignored his warning. ‘Tell them the truth.’

‘What truth is that?’ Piet was beside Sarah and she reached for his hand, but he moved away from her.

‘Marina, we’re leaving. Now.’ George took her arm in an attempt to lead her down the steps and away from the group.