Claire's Prayer by Yvonne Cloete Page B

runs the household! He heads up all of the house and lodge staff when we have a full house, so he’s acting head chef now – and general behind-the-scenes miracle-worker. Any problems you have, Joseph will know how to fix them.” Seth winked at Joseph, who handed Claire a teacup with a wry smile. “And he’ll admire your appetite as much as I do!”
    Claire swiped at Seth playfully, but couldn’t wipe the smile from her face.
    Linking her arm through Claire’s, Naomi muttered something about domineering older brothers and proceeded literally to drag Claire into the cool interior of the entrance hall. Claire went willingly, deciding that she already liked Naomi – her enthusiasm was hard not to emulate. The women stopped and Claire took in the tastefully unusual décor of the entrance hall. A zebra skin dominated one wall, and a large, bronzed milk urn filled with dried grasses sat in the corner. A massive wall hanging made up of random oranges, greens and browns blended beautifully with the other autumn tones in the room.
    As her eyes darted around, trying to take in everything at once, Claire continued slowly to follow Naomi. To her left, a sign indicated that a closed door led to the office and reception area. Naomi went on ahead, and Claire followed her and Seth into the lounge. The far wall was, she now saw, the outside edge of one of the huge granite boulders she had seen as they arrived. Colourful rugs were scattered on the polished wooden floor, and large windows allowed a fantastic view of the garden, its trees and the massive ferns that grew amongst the boulders. Again, the colour tones were both warm and calming: muted golds, browns and oranges. An impressive television and video set stood on a wooden cabinet containing a veritable library of VHS, dominating one corner. In the other, a welcome fire blazed. Claire sensed that this house had been decorated with thoughtfulness and love.
    Seth handed Claire back her cup of tea, and said, “Have a seat, Claire – no need to stand on ceremony here. For tonight, you’ll sleep in the main house with us. Tomorrow, we’ll settle you into a lodge.”
    “We hope you’ll feel at home here,” added Naomi gently, her voice sounding unusually hesitant.
    “I already do,” Claire beamed.

Chapter Five
    No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
    (1 Corinthians 10:13)
     
    Sunset found the four of them out on the patio, and again the awesomeness of Impunzi’s vista left Claire amazed. She was content to let Seth, Naomi and Tony carry the conversation as she gazed out into the expanse before her.
    The beauty of her surroundings seemed to wash over her soul in waves, restoring and soothing her. Tuning out the conversation between brother and sister, Claire revelled in the new peace that invaded her heart. She wondered, with this majestic beauty all around, how some people could deny the existence of God the creator.
    Naomi’s voice came to her through her pondering. “So, Claire, you’ll be with us for a while – that’s great! In no time at all, you’ll be just like one of the family.” Claire returned her smile, then started as a hollow metallic call came from the house.
    “Oh, good,” Naomi beamed; “there’s the dinner gong. I bet you’re hungry. Joseph finds it easier just to hammer on the gong at meal times – that way even if we’re far from the house we can still hear it.”
    Seth grinned and, watching Claire, commented, “I bet Claire’s starving – she sure can pack it away! A healthier appetite I have yet to see. You could take a few tips from her, Naomi. All those carrots and things you eat can’t be good for you.”
    Noticing the blush on Claire’s cheeks, Naomi playfully punched Seth, and ordered him to keep his unwanted opinions to himself. Grinning, Seth gave Claire an apologetic wink and led her into the dining room.
    A long, wooden table dominated the room. It was a deep, mahogany brown, and could probably, Claire