As it turned out, the morning’s efforts, though initially nerve-racking, stood Tilly in good stead for the evening’s performance, which Luke again insisted she share. ‘You need to get comfortable with it,’ he said. ‘Who knows? You could be doing it all next year. I mean, once Sandstone’s up and running, we’re going to have to split forces, aren’t we? And you’ve plenty of local knowledge, Tilly. It doesn’t have to be birds. You can talk about the country’s history, industry, climate. I’ve jotted down a few dates and facts on a sheet for you. The year the WPA started up here, and why these sanctuaries are necessary. Then there’s rainfall – you’ve been through a Wet here, so tell them about it. There’s Sweetheart, the biggest croc ever caught in the Top End – I’ve noted down his weight and length – and they can even go and see him in Darwin. They love hearing that sort of stuff. It’s also a good reminder not to ignore the no-swimming signs.’

‘Okay. Dear God! It says here he was over five metres long and he attacked boats! If I’d known that, I’d never have taken Mum on the river.’

‘Well, he’s in a tank in Darwin now, so she was perfectly safe. How did the walk go this morning? I had a bugger of a kid on mine. I could have happily dropped him off the cliff, and his mother with him.’

‘It was good. It helped that we saw an old tarpot slithering along in the grass. Nothing like sighting a snake to keep people on the path, even if it is only a python.’ She grinned.

He gave her a wink in return. ‘Sure thing. Let nature work for you, I say.’

Despite her nervousness, the evening talk went well. Making discreet use of her torch, Tilly was able to check the facts on her cheat sheet, and in a moment of inspiration spoke of her own introduction to the breathtaking difference of the country: the wet hush of tropical dawns, the jewelled colours of the insects – iridescent beetles, ruby-red and sky-blue dragonflies – the cuteness of the shaky-paw lizards and the novelty of barking geckos. She was roundly applauded at the conclusion, not least by Connor, whom she hadn’t known was in the audience.

‘You had them spellbound,’ he said, sliding his large hand around her smaller one. ‘Cuppa at my camp?’ He brushed a kiss onto her cheekbone. ‘It could lead on to other things if you want.’

‘You think so?’ Tilly’s heart lifted as she swayed towards him. There was, she told herself, no reason to hold back. ‘Mmm, you know I might consider that. How big is your bed?’

‘Big enough. It’s a swag, well padded too.’ His hand cupped her bejeaned bottom. ‘And I’ll keep you warm.’