And why should she not be? The days when women had to pretend not to be interested in men were surely over, and now they could talk about it. Mma Ramotswe was not sure whether it was a good idea to talk too openly about men-she had heard some quite shocking things being said by some women, and she would never condone such shamelessness-but it was, on the whole, better for women to be able to express themselves.

“I have come to see you about men,” said Mma Holonga suddenly. “That is why I am here.”

Mma Ramotswe was taken aback. She had wondered why Mma Holonga had come and had assumed that it was something to do with one of her businesses. But now it seemed it was going to be something rather more personal than that.

“There are many women who come to see me about men,” she said quietly. “Men are a major problem for many women.”

Mma Holonga smiled at this. “That is no exaggeration, Mma. But many women have problems just with one man. I have problems with four men.”

Mma Ramotswe gave a start. This was unexpected: four men! It was conceivable that somebody might have two boyfriends, and hope that neither found out about the other, but to have four! That was an invitation for trouble.

“It’s not what you may think,” said Mma Holonga hurriedly. “I do not have four boyfriends. At the moment I have no boyfriend, except for these four…”

Mma Ramotswe raised her hand. “You should start at the beginning,” she said. “I am getting confused already.” She paused. “And to help you talk, I shall make some bush tea. Would you like that?”

Mma Holonga nodded. “I will talk while you are making the tea. Then you will hear all my troubles while the water is boiling.”