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right,’ she confirmed. She would, she decided, wait for him to raise the subject that was foremost in their minds.
    As they left the reserve, Edda took up the microphone, summarizing the day’s itinerary. They were making for White River, or Wit Rivier, where they would spend two nights, and en route they would be skirting Swaziland, a country outside the South African Republic, ruled by King Mswati III. Anna noted it down, hoping she’d spelled His Majesty’s name correctly.
    As the day progressed, the panorama unfolded on all sides – acres of citrus fruits, multicoloured bougainvilleas, girls washing their laundry in the river. They stopped for lunch, and again to visit a market, reaching their hotel just after five-thirty. And still nothing of significance had passed between Anna and Lewis. She began to wonder if he intended to ignore what had happened, and felt a stab of panic. Logic, however, suggested he was waiting till their conversation could not be overheard by George and Wendy in the seats in front of them.
    They were allocated their rooms, their cases were delivered, and Anna unpacked and had a leisurely bath. When, at the agreed time, she reached the bar, she was surprised to see that although Lewis was there, the Salters were not.
    Having bought her drink, he led her to a table by the window. ‘How long are you going to keep me in suspense?’ he asked in a low voice.
    She smiled, relief flooding over her. ‘I was waiting for you to bring it up.’
    â€˜Well?’
    â€˜I’d . . . like us to go on seeing each other,’ she said.
    He reached under the table for her hand. ‘Thank God!’ he said.
    There was no time for more, as they were joined by Wendy and George, and shortly after they all went in to dinner. Furthermore, since there would be a very early start in the morning, everyone went to their rooms directly it was over, ending the possibility of further discussion. Still, Lewis had his answer, and for the moment that was enough.
    The wake-up call came at five o’clock, and they collected their packed breakfasts en route for the coach. Wendy smiled at Anna and patted her arm as they boarded, making her wonder if Lewis had reported developments, but it was too early for conversation, and many of the group seemed still half asleep.
    They reached Kruger National Park at seven o’clock, and another magical day began, filled with an abundance of birds and animals for their cameras to capture. When they paused for a sandwich lunch, the temperature had climbed to 38°, and they were grateful of the chance to replenish the water bottles they carried with them. Feeding the blue starlings with crumbs, Anna thought back to the red-winged variety at the Cape of Good Hope, the first day she’d spent with Lewis and the Salters. How long ago it seemed!
    They left the Park at three thirty, eight and a half hours after arriving, though it seemed much less. On reaching their hotel, several of them walked down to the river to take photographs, and Anna found Lewis at her side.
    â€˜Alone at last!’ he declared, with mock fervour.
    Anna smiled. ‘Hardly!’ She gestured at the members of the group all around them, chatting, taking photos, walking along the bank.
    â€˜At least we can talk without being overheard. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to hear your decision last night.’ He smiled wryly. ‘I’m not used to having to wait for answers!’
    â€˜To take-over bids?’ she teased.
    He laughed. ‘Scarcely that. God, Anna, I want to climb on the nearest rock and announce it to the world!’
    She laid a quick hand on his arm. ‘But of course you won’t.’
    He looked down at her, sobering. ‘Well, not literally, no.’
    â€˜Seriously, Lewis, I don’t want anyone to know. Not yet.’
    But know what? she thought suddenly. Was he thinking long-term, or was it only sex he