‘Seriously, everyone is very impressed with the work you are doing in the fight against malaria. You know we’re hoping to have a new school of medicine at Nairobi University College within the next three years?’

‘I’d heard, yes.’

‘Well, I think you should be involved from the start, and the president agrees. We must talk about this soon.’

‘That’s a wonderful idea,’ said Saffron. ‘Our fathers would both be so proud of you, Benjamin.’

‘I think they would feel the same about you, Saffron,’ Maku said. He looked around and sighed. ‘When I think of the last time I was here, that terrible night. This is a new world – a better world. Now, let us get down to business. I like to confirm that the arrangements for the president’s visit tomorrow are in place.’

‘Of course,’ said Saffron. ‘Now let me see . . . The route that President Kenyatta’s car and outriders will take through the farmlands has been checked, and the police will be posting officers at regular intervals along the roadside. You’ll have to consult with them about the precise details.’ She looked at Gerhard. ‘Darling, have the workmen finished the presidential podium?’

‘Yes, the final coat of paint went on this morning and it will be dry by tomorrow afternoon.’

‘Are you quite sure?’ Maku asked. ‘We would not want paint stains on Mr Kenyatta’s clothes.’

‘Quite sure,’ Gerhard assured him.

‘You know the Germans,’ Saffron added. ‘Tremendously efficient.’

‘Almost as efficient as me,’ Harriet said, as she emerged from the office behind the reception desk. She handed Maku a stapled sheaf of papers. ‘Here are the names and addresses of everyone attending the opening ceremony, along with the number of the seat they will occupy. A seating plan is included on the final page. I can also assure everyone that the swimming pool has been thoroughly tested by Master Alexander Courtney Meerbach, his sister Nichola and their friends. They have now produced a portable gramophone and are playing Beatles records very loudly.’ Harriet peered over the top of her half-moon reading glasses. ‘Don’t worry, Maku. They will not be behaving like that tomorrow . . . not if they want to live.’

Maku laughed. ‘I would not wish to be the child who disobeyed either of you two ladies!’ He looked at Saffron. ‘Is everything ready for our meeting?’

‘Of course,’ Saffron said. ‘Mr Solomons and Ms Ndiri are waiting for us in the reading room – though I admit I still think of it as my father’s study.’

‘Me too,’ said Harriet softly.

They walked into the room, where five armchairs had been arranged in a semicircle facing the desk that had once belonged to Leon Courtney. Wangari was placing ring-binder folders on each chair. Small tables had been placed between the chairs. A uniformed waiter was standing to one side by a sideboard on which stood pots of tea and coffee, soft drinks and a large plate of freshly baked pastries.