‘Similar, in some ways. They’re after the white community. And there are problems on the Mozambique and Zambian borders, with insurgents coming in on raids, taking cattle and so. It’s no life for Pa, working as a hired hand in a place like that, when he’s always been on his own land. He’s an angry man these days and Ma is taking the worst of it. It’s rough,’ he repeated. ‘I keep hoping he’ll change his mind and come home.’

‘What about Hannah?’ Sarah asked. ‘She seems to hate it down there.’

‘It’s true, yes. But she’s doing well in her business studies. And I know Ma hopes she’ll go on to college in South Africa. Maybe get a scholarship for part of the fees.’

‘I think she’d like to go home,’ Sarah said. ‘To Langani.’

‘Ma’s adamant that she should finish her education first. And I agree, it seems sensible. Plus, what would she do at Langani?’ He shook his head. ‘We have a few problems there, too. No, Hannah should stay down south for now.’

‘What problems? Are you having trouble with your manager?’

‘No. Not at all. Lars Olsen is a fine man and he works hard.’ He was silent for a moment, and Sarah saw that he was trying to make a decision. Then he put down his coffee cup and looked her straight in the eye. ‘After Pa left, I discovered that the farm was carrying a big debt. It took Lars and me a while to sort out a plan, and make a new agreement with the bank that would give us enough time. That’s why I delayed going to Scotland. Langani is still borderline, but the bank has backed off for the time being, thanks to Lars.’

‘And Jan never said anything?’ Sarah found it difficult to believe what she had heard. ‘Didn’t he realise how things were?’

‘Oh, he knew. Yes.’ Piet was resigned. ‘I can’t decide if he didn’t realise the extent of the problem, or if he just couldn’t bring himself to admit that he’d allowed things to get into such a mess. He’s not a great man for figures, but he would have to have been blind and deaf not to see what was happening. I don’t know what he was thinking at all.’

‘Have you discussed it with him?’ Sarah asked.

‘No.’ Piet’s face was bleak. ‘I reckoned he had enough troubles down south. And I’ve never told Hannah either. So it would be hard to bring her back right now. Besides, they need her down there. Ma relies on her for company. I don’t know what she would do without Han.’