A table covered in a red and white cloth was laid under the shade of a cassia tree, whose yellow flowers bloomed upwards on the branches like a huge candelabra. There were piles of scones and dishes heaped with whipped cream and jam.

‘What a feast!’ exclaimed Ginie as they sat down. Jon had run off somewhere. The Schekmans’ dogs, a ridgeback and a bull terrier, flopped at their feet, tongues lolling.

Linette smiled and nodded. ‘Everything you see is grown on the farm,’ she said proudly, pouring tea from an enormous red pot. ‘The quality of our milk, butter and cream is unmatched.’

‘No milk for me, thanks,’ said Ginie. ‘I prefer my tea with this.’ She took her small flask of brandy from her handbag and added a liberal shot, offering it to the others. Mark was the only one who accepted. He drank steadily and thirstily.

‘I’m sorry Diana couldn’t join us,’ Linette said.

‘Yes,’ Mark replied. Setting his cup carefully in its saucer, he exhaled roughly. ‘She’s sorry too. She had a bad headache.’

Stephen broke the silence that followed by saying how pleased he was to see the farm running so well.

‘It wouldn’t run at all without your generosity,’ Wim said, smiling.

‘You’re contributing to our country in so many ways,’ Mark agreed. He leaned back in his chair and looked hard at Stephen. ‘Incidentally, I ran into my old friend Brian O’Connell.’

‘Brian who runs the College of Music in Salisbury?’ asked Linette.

‘Yes. He told me an interesting story.’

‘Oh, really?’ Stephen coloured.

‘He said the other week, he received a letter from someone who had, apparently, received a windfall. He gave the College ten thousand pounds to improve its existing facilities and build a new concert hall. . . What do you think about that, Stephen?’

‘I think I’ve been found out,’ Stephen replied. He looked rueful, and self-deprecating. The others laughed.

‘Brian told me that the only two conditions you attached to the gift were, firstly, that the college should remain a multi-racial teaching institution and secondly, that you would like to be consulted about the new building because of your strong ideas about architecture.’ Mark hesitated. ‘You’re a remarkable man, Stephen.’

‘And a dark horse,’ added Wim.

‘I agree,’ said Mark. ‘One needs the skills of a detective to uncover all your good work.’ He waited for a moment before adding, casually, ‘I’m wondering what else you keep hidden.’

The men exchanged a steady look. Ginie glanced anxiously between them.

‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ Stephen said, bristling.

‘Oh, come off it Mark, give the man a break,’ Linette chided.

Overhead, geese flew in a shifting V on their way to the pond. Linette turned to Ginie. ‘How are you, my dear? I can’t help noticing you’re a bit quiet today. It’s not like you.’