in and hide the true nature of the arrangement. Even if she knew the truth about the pregnancy, at least it was still possible to pretend that she and Bill had feelings for each other. Kiki was very much part of this community and she couldn’t risk her gossiping after a few cocktails.
‘Oh, since I went on the game drive with him a few weeks ago.’
‘Then why didn’t you tell me about this, honey?’
‘Because I thought that Bill wouldn’t want anything more to do with me once I told him about the baby. What man would, knowing their . . . girlfriend was pregnant with another man’s baby?’
‘A very special one, obviously. Bill must love you very much to be prepared to do this. I thought only yesterday how odd it was that he’d driven over to see how you were. Presumably the two of you will tell the world it’s his?’
‘Yes.’
‘And Bill is comfortable with that?’ Kiki eyed her.
‘Yes. I mean, if he wasn’t, I’m sure he would never have asked me to marry him.’
‘No. Well now, I can’t say I’ve ever been his biggest fan, and nor has he been mine. But I take my hat off to him for being so . . . open-minded. I hope you realise what a lucky girl you are, Cecily. You have a knight in shining armour who has come to your rescue.’
‘I know. So you think I should accept his proposal? I said I had to discuss it with you first.’
‘I think that if I was you, I’d be biting his hand off. Seriously, honey, I am thrilled for you! And what’s more, it means I get to keep you here in Kenya. Shall we telephone your mother right now? She’ll be over the moon that you’ve gotten yourself an English husband, and an aristocratic one too. Bill’s mother is an “Hon”, you know.’
‘What’s an “Hon”?’
‘It means she was a Lady before her marriage. Now, shall we call?’
‘If you don’t mind, Kiki, I’d prefer to speak to Bill tomorrow and say yes first.’
‘Of course, and let’s just hope he hasn’t changed his mind by then. Now, this calls for champagne!’
An hour later, when Cecily had managed to extricate herself by feigning exhaustion, she walked upstairs, pausing on the landing to look out of the big picture window at the descending dusk.
‘Hello there, Africa,’ she whispered. ‘Looks like I’m here to stay.’
‘Well, Cecily?’
She and Bill stood by the lake. She was touched that he had made an effort to look smart; in a freshly ironed white shirt and spotless khaki pants, Cecily thought how attractive – and nervous – he looked, standing in front her.
‘Did you give some thought to my proposal?’
‘I did. And . . . the answer is yes. I accept your kind proposal.’
‘Good Lord. Right then,’ he smiled. ‘Perhaps I should kiss you or something? I’m sure we’re being watched by prying eyes from the windows behind us.’
‘Of course,’ Cecily agreed.
Bill leant in and kissed her tentatively on the lips. To her surprise, Cecily did not mind it at all; in fact, she almost wished it had gone on longer when he pulled away.
‘Thank you,’ she said shyly.
‘There’s nothing to thank me for, my dear. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, and I’m sure it will work out very well indeed.’
‘Hello there!’
They both turned to see Kiki waving at them from the terrace with a bottle of champagne.
‘Are congratulations in order?’
‘I think they are, Kiki, yes.’
Bill rolled his eyes and gave Cecily a grimace.
‘So,’ he said as he offered her his elbow and Cecily tucked her arm into his, ‘the charade begins.’
‘You’re getting . . . what?’
‘Married, Mama,’ Cecily shouted into the receiver. The crackling was worse than ever and they could hardly hear each other. ‘I’m getting married.’
‘Oh my! Did I hear you right? You’re getting married?’ Dorothea repeated.
‘Yes!’ Cecily giggled at the absurdity of the moment. ‘I am.’
‘But who to?’
‘I’ll write you with all the details, but he’s called Bill and he’s English! His family knows Audrey’s very well. I met his brother, who’s a major, at dinner at Woodhead Hall.’ The crackling on the line reached fever pitch. ‘Can you hear me, Mama?’
There was no reply, so with a sigh, Cecily hung up. She decided the best thing to do was to go to Gilgil and send a telegram to her parents with the details. Earlier, over the champagne that Kiki had popped, the three of them had discussed when and where the wedding should