CHAPTER NINEBut John knew that he could not allow himself to brood. At any moment the first guests would be arriving and he must be in position to greet them. These would be the ones who had come some distance and must be accommodated overnight.
"They are going to be on us at any moment," he told Pharaoh.
"Very good, Your Grace."
He began to urge the others to calm down and then to leave. In a few minutes there was only John, Gina and Benedict left.
"I still have some errands for Lady Evelyn," Gina said and hurried away.
"John," Benedict said, sounding awkward.
"What is it, old fellow?"
"Nothing, just – good luck. I know how important tonight is to you."
"More important than anything has ever been in my life," John replied.
"The thing is – a man doesn't always choose what happens
