‘That was a particularly savage time,’ Tim said. ‘People sometimes do desperate things when they’re fighting for their lives, or their families, or to protect their property. The Mau Mau didn’t kill that many Europeans, but those they did died in pretty barbaric circumstances. And many innocent Africans were terrorised. Forced to go through the sickening oathing ceremonies, or be maimed or killed. The Kikuyu massacred hundreds of their own people who wouldn’t join them.

‘Langani was never attacked directly, although Jan left home for a while.

‘Most of the farmers joined the King’s African Rifles or the Special Forces, and went into the forests to hunt down the gangs. They covered themselves with animal grease and blackened their faces, and wore wigs. Pseudo gangs, they were called. They lived in mortal danger and semi-starvation for months on end, tracking down terrorist cells and wiping them out. I’m sure some of those chaps did go a little mad. God knows what Jan might have seen or done during those years.’ Tim lit a cigarette.

‘Give me one, please.’

‘Smoking? Since when?’

‘Everyone at school smoked occasionally. I just need one right now.’ She dragged on the cigarette. ‘I can’t fathom why Marina would talk about the van der Beers like that. Why should she care what Jan might or might not have done, years ago? What’s the point in hurting them? And Piet – did you see his face?’

‘I think she’s desperately jealous because Camilla is happier with people like us. Oh, God knows. She’s a miserable, twisted bitch.’

‘Poor Camilla,’ Sarah’s face was full of compassion.

‘Camilla’s a tough nut.’ Tim said. ‘She’ll survive. It’s Hannah who could be really affected. She’s far more vulnerable. She’s the one who needs your friendship most.’

Sarah looked at her brother in surprise. ‘I thought you had the hots for Camilla.’

‘Oh, I do. But she’d gobble me up and spit me out before I could take a breath. She’s for – well, for lusting after. Not for fulfilment. But Hannah, now she’s an Earth Mother type – much more promising.’

‘Shall I tell her you said that?’ Sarah had begun to chuckle. ‘You’re quite a wise old thing, it seems. And here was I thinking you were just my idiot brother.’

‘Get thee to thy chambers, girl. We can’t solve Africa’s problems tonight. Hopefully our expedition tomorrow will make up for any unpleasantness. If Hannah and Piet are still planning to join us.’

In the guest room Camilla heard their muffled laughter and whispered goodnights as they passed her window. When silence enveloped her once more, she lay in her bed, watching the night shadows shift and sway. She was still awake when the first pink slivers of dawn touched the flat calm of the early-morning sea.

Chapter 5

Kenya, December 1962