‘And your husband?’

‘Him too. He doesn’t really mind.’

They had left the vegetable garden and reached a small lawn, surrounded by a profusion of flowering shrubs.

‘I tried growing roses, but they didn’t take well. Better to work with the plants that are indigenous. You must come and look at my orchids. My pride and joy.’

Beyond the lawn, they entered a maze of gravelled pathways weaving between the bending trunks and spiky fronds of palm trees and the big glossy leaves of bananas. The air was peaty, rich with the smell of soil and rotting vegetation. Above their heads, the area was draped with netting, presumably to keep the birds at bay. A collection of terracotta pots, containing smaller plants, hung from the branches of trees. In between the different shades of green were bright splashes of orchids, all shapes and colours – delicate peach, buttery yellows, vibrant cyclamen-like pinks and the softest mauves. In the background, Evie could hear the gentle tinkle of falling water and saw a small pond encircled with rocks.

‘Your husband’s grandfather apparently had a passion for orchids too. But things were rather neglected by Mr Barrington’s uncle. I’ve a long way to go, but I’m working hard at restoring the area to its former glory and I’m building quite a collection.’

‘They’re exquisite,’ said Evie. ‘I can see why orchids have become a passion for you.’

Mrs Hyde-Underwood nodded. ‘I just hope there’ll be time for them once the baby’s arrived.’

‘I’m sure the…the kedan is it?’

‘Kebun.’

‘I’m sure the kebun will be only too happy to take over.’

The woman sniffed. ‘I doubt it. Vegetables and mowing lawns are more his thing. But we’ll see.’

Evie had the sense that behind her smiles, Mrs Hyde-Underwood was not as happy as she’d first appeared. Clearly devoted to her husband, there was nonetheless a sadness about her. Might living in Malaya mean Evie herself would eventually feel the same?

As if sensing Evie’s thoughts, Mrs Hyde-Underwood assumed a cheery voice. ‘Let’s go and have a cold drink on the veranda. It’s shady round the other side.’ Without waiting for Evie to reply, she headed back towards the bungalow.

Sipping homemade lemonade, Evie suggested they move to first name terms, then asked her hostess if she had known Felicity.

‘Not well. But we did meet once. Over at Batu Lembah. It was when I first came out here. Mr Barrington had just bought the estate there, and hired my husband from Dunlop’s to take over at Bellavista as manager.’

‘What was she like?’ The question spilled out – but Susan Hyde-Underwood seemed to take it in her stride.

‘Not very friendly, actually. She didn’t have a lot to say and I was probably nervous myself and wanting to make a good impression meeting Reggie’s boss’s wife. That can’t have helped.’

‘I only met Felicity myself on one occasion – when I was fifteen. I do remember she was beautiful.’

Susan nodded. ‘Frail and delicate. A bit like one of my orchids. Fine for a flower but I’m not so sure it’s such a great quality in a woman.’