They turn at the noise of water in turmoil. White feathers and water droplets snare the light as a swan heaves its weight out of the water. With the power and swell of a strongman’s shoulders, its wings spread and smack the water again and again while, in the white-water commotion, mallards flee, quacking and flapping over the surface. When finally the swan concertinas down, wings folding with a settling shake, it glides past them on the terrace, neck looped in elegance, one dark-rimmed eye turned towards Nora.