Escapism indeed, thought Grace, and felt a wave of empathy for this woman. Going to Bali from the Western world in 1932 must have been like going to the moon, and yet K’tut was bravely taking control of her life and directing her own fate and future. If she can do it, so can I, thought Grace, and she put the book on her bedside table and turned out the light.

*

Over the next few days, feeling freshly inspired, Grace concentrated on the contemporary angle of selling the Kamasan. She wanted their campaign to be stylish and creative while also being accessible to a wide range of people. She contemplated finding a beautiful, exotic couple who might epitomise the type of guests who’d be attracted to, and could afford to stay at, the Kamasan. But it seemed too much of a cliché so she abandoned the idea.

Then came a text message from Lawrence.

I’d like to take you and Daisy to lunch tomorrow. I’ll collect you at 12 midday. Your mother is welcome, but I would prefer to just discuss matters between us in private.

What the hell? Grace thought. One minute Lawrence was cold, brusque and combative – or just absent – and the next . . . this strange polite courtesy. What did he want? She steeled herself. Whatever it was, it was no doubt all part of his strategy. She would go in with her eyes open.

Lawrence arrived a little early, with a bunch of flowers for Tina, and swept Daisy into his arms.

‘Hello, beautiful gorgeous adorable girl! Are you happy to see your daddy?’

‘What have you got for me, Daddy?’ Daisy began searching all his pockets.

‘What makes you think I have anything for a little girl?’ he teased.

‘’Cause it’s meeee, Daisy,’ she squealed. Then she discovered a package in his coat pocket and darted away with it.

‘Where do you plan to go for lunch?’ asked Grace. ‘If you’d prefer to just take Daisy, that’s fine.’

‘Of course not. I enjoy being seen with my beautiful wife.’ He smiled at Tina. ‘You’re welcome to come, Tina. There’s a stunning new café at Palm Beach right on the water at Pittwater.’

Grace couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Hadn’t Lawrence specifically said he didn’t want Tina to come? And ‘beautiful wife’ . . .? What was going on? Grace saw Tina grit her teeth and smile tightly.

‘Thank you, Lawrence, and for the flowers, but no, I can’t join you. I’m meeting my tennis friends.’

‘Daisy! Come and say goodbye to Nana. We’re leaving. See you after lunch, Mum.’ Grace kissed her mother on the cheek as Tina squeezed her arm.

Lawrence lifted Daisy up onto his shoulders, grasping her by the ankles, and called out, ‘Have a lovely afternoon, Tina.’