Stephen returned to the present, nostalgic for the lost simplicity of his schooldays.

He heard the priest say, ‘We are all tested in different ways. But God passes sentence upon transgressors and he begins where the sin began, with the serpent.’

Was it Stephen’s imagination, or did the priest seek Ginie’s eyes as he spoke? He felt her stiffen beside him and remembered the awkward position she was in because of her divorce. Their marriage wasn’t recognised by the Catholic Church.

‘The devil’s instruments must share in the devil’s punishments,’ the priest went on. ‘Under the cover of the serpent, the devil is cursed by God, detested by mankind. . .’

Ginie’s eyes were lowered, her face without expression. She crossed her legs: the snake appeared and disappeared beneath her dress.

When the mass finished, the congregation gathered outside to talk. The Courtaulds stood to one side and watched while Jill invited everyone who passed to come to the farm for a roast pork lunch. For Ginie’s sake, Stephen was hoping for an invitation too, but it never came. He met Eric’s eyes and Eric’s lips curled back, baring his teeth like an animal. The hairs on Stephen’s arms rose. The Richardsons said hello, Diana looking pale and tense, before heading to their truck and driving off. Nobody else approached them, and the priest strode past with averted eyes.

Eventually, Jill waved goodbye to the group and got into the car beside Eric. Their tyres spat up clouds of dust as the car pulled away. Ginie looked as though someone had slammed a door in her face and it hurt Stephen’s heart.

‘I see we’re still outcasts,’ he said cautiously, putting an arm around her shoulders. ‘Well, what did you expect?’

‘Oh, I know,’ she said in a hard, careless voice. Briefly, she leaned into him, then pulled away.

He shot her a quick glance, sensing the nervous unhappiness that swelled inside her. The fear she might break down again was always present and it made everything seem fragile, as though they were perched over an abyss. His happiness depended on her being whole and next to him – it was as simple as that. And as difficult. Ever since Jongy died, he’d felt her turn inward, slipping away to a place beyond his reach. He had responded by closing up and throwing himself into his writing. After everything they had been through, this wall between them took him by surprise. But perhaps there was never a safe time in a marriage.

He’d been less sure than Ginie about staying in Rhodesia and had let himself be swayed by her, but with misgivings. His continued failure to protect her from the ill will of the locals made him burn with frustration.