‘I’ve seen it all written down in columns,’ she agreed. ‘But this-is so different.’

‘This is just cash to you, but to us the land is a living, breathing creature that works with us to create new life. Then again, sometimes it works against us, even tries to kill us. But it belongs to us, as we belong to it.’

She mopped her brow. It was the hottest part of the day.

‘Come over here,’ he said, taking her arm and leading her to where a stream plunged downhill. There were a few trees in this spot, giving a blessed shade.

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have brought you here just now,’ he said. ‘You’re not used to this kind of heat.’

‘I’m very tough,’ she assured him.

‘You don’t look it. You look as if a breeze would blow you away.’

She laughed and made a gesture to indicate the still air. ‘What breeze?’

‘Sit down,’ he said, urging her to the water’s edge.

His own face and neck were damp with perspiration. He pulled out a clean handkerchief and dropped it into the stream, then squeezing the water over himself. Alex tried to do the same, but her handkerchief was too small to be effective.

‘Here,’ he said, soaking his again and passing it to her.

She buried her face in it, grateful for the relief, then drenched it again. When she had finished she found him looking at her.

She guessed he was watching for some sign of weakness. If so, he would be disappointed. She had her second wind now and knew that this was something she could deal with, even relish. The sheer ferocity of the elements in this country had lit a small flame of excitement in her. Go now, warned a voice in her head. Before it grows and takes you over.

She laid her hand against the earth, moving her fingers to feel it against her.

‘Not like that,’ he said quietly. ‘Dig in deep, and really feel it. Let it speak to you.’

She tried it, and knew at once what he meant. Here by the stream the earth was springy, damp and crumbling. From it came a lush, powerful odour that was not unpleasant.