‘How can you say that? They hate Rhodesia. And it can’t be a good place to start again, with Ian Smith, and all the confusion and bitterness about Independence and votes for Africans. You needn’t look so surprised, Daddy. I read everything I can about it, because of Hannah being down there in all that mess.’

‘The most Important thing to remember, my dear, is that young people like Piet have a perfectly good chance of succeeding. Jomo Kenyatta has given strong assurances that there’s room for everyone to work together.’

‘I wish I’d been there, at the Uhuru ceremonies,’ Camilla said. ‘Seen it all happening.’

‘It was an emotional event. The Mzee in all his tribal finery, and the Duke of Edinburgh and the Governor with their swords and plumes.’ George smiled over his reminiscences. ‘Kenyatta and Prince Philip were driven to the ceremony through a series of side roads, to avoid being held up by the crowds. But the plan backfired, because their car got stuck in the mud, and they were half an hour late! I saw former Mau Mau leaders at one function, wearing some sort of military-style uniform, with long matted hair hanging down their backs. And there they were, standing around on the Government House lawns, with the politicians and embassy people all dressed up to the nines. The so-called Mau Mau generals shook hands with all kinds of high-ranking foreigners and their wives, as though they’d been at it for years. But they didn’t get a royal handshake. Kenyatta himself tactfully headed them off, and avoided any diplomatic gaffes. Wise old bird, he is. It was generally a happy occasion, and very moving. Astonishing really, the enormous goodwill that carried it through.’

‘I wish we’d stayed in Kenya,’ Camilla said. ‘It was the only place I ever thought of as home. It’s where my real friends are. I’d love to be planning Christmas holidays at the coast, or going up to Langani. Has it changed?’

‘Not yet. I think most people who had the guts and the faith to stay on will be happy with their decision, in the long term. And young Piet has as good an opportunity as anyone.’

‘That still doesn’t excuse what Mother did.’

‘There were a number of people with access to the file your mother found on my desk. Anyone could have brought the case to light. It’s not a straightforward matter. Even at the time the lines were blurred.’

‘What matter?’ Camilla demanded, but George shook his head.

‘Tell me, how is Hannah getting on? What is she doing?’ It was clear that he would not be drawn any further into a discussion about Jan.

‘I haven’t heard from her for a while. My fault. I’m not good at letter writing.’