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By Root 1230 0

that it is also my sincere hope that you will come. I’m a little concerned that Margaret is rather restless and dispirited by our current situation. Young Caroline is a delight and Philip, well you wouldn’t know him from the child who arrived back here after the war, he has grown so. I will always be in your debt for caring for him. I know you saved his life and I’m sure that your actions were at a cost to yourself. I think it would do us all good to have your company here for as long as you wish, and to that end, I insist on providing you an airline ticket. You’ll find the country is going through troubled times at present, and life at Utopia is not as it was. Those carefree days have gone and what is yet to come remains unsure. However, putting these troubles aside, there is no doubt that we would very much enjoy your company. It would be a very welcome distraction for your sister, and I need not tell you how much your presence would mean to Philip. I look forward to welcoming you back to Utopia.

Warmly, Roland

Bette was slightly surprised, even a little concerned, at this gentle pressure from Roland and she wondered about Margaret. She had vaguely heard about the political problems in Malaya, and Margaret and Roland’s letters had confirmed it. Still, there was no question in Bette’s mind. This was a wonderful opportunity to return to Malaya and she was going to take it.

But her parents questioned her decision.

‘You must have so many unhappy memories of that country, and there’s a bit of trouble brewing there, according to the newspaper,’ said her father.

‘Of course, it would be lovely to visit with little Caroline,’ said her mother. ‘And I suspect Margaret might be a bit lonely, not having the social whirl she was used to before the war.’

‘I’m sure there’s still some social scene,’ said Bette, fondly recalling her previous visit with the Elliotts. ‘But I suspect Roland is less inclined to party and hunt since he’s working so hard to build the plantation up again. And it does seem that he doesn’t like Margaret going out and about by herself. But I’m a free agent these days. I’ll have to go back to Sydney and resign from my job. I can always get another one when I get back.’

‘A free spirit, indeed,’ said her father. ‘I just hope that Malaya doesn’t disappoint you again.’

Because she was flying, Bette found herself packing very carefully. She put in her art materials, added her favourite book, and photographs of her parents and their garden to show Margaret, and she gave a lot of thought to presents for Philip and Caroline.

She was amazed that it took so short a time to fly from Sydney to Singapore and then on to KL, especially compared with her sea voyage ten years ago. Aeroplane travel was the future, the man seated next to Bette told her. Long sea voyages were now just for the young or the elderly with plenty of time on their hands, he added.

Bette was momentarily taken aback by the impact of her emotions when Margaret met her at the airport in Kuala Lumpur.

‘Margaret, I can’t believe that it’s more than three years. You look wonderful. Motherhood obviously suits you.’

‘You look very well yourself,’ said Margaret. ‘I guess having no responsibilities suits you.’

Bette was disappointed that Caroline and Philip weren’t there as well, but she was touched when she realised that Margaret wanted to share a few days in KL, just the two of them.

Bette was also delighted to see Hamid again.

‘Is everything well with you, Hamid, and your family?’ asked Bette shaking his hand warmly.

The driver nodded, his eyes moist, clearly pleased to see Bette. Then he was once again his smiling, deferential self. For Bette, seeing him again in such normal circumstances, the wild nightmare drive to Singapore all those years ago seemed like a strange dream that had happened to someone else.

‘It is very good to see you again, mem. You will see many changes. Tuan kechil is grown up now. He is learning many things at Utopia.’

Margaret sniffed at this comment. ‘Following his father around, trying to boss the workers and messing