Lord Godwin, on the other hand, was showing far more skill than he had done during their earlier race in central London.Freddie risked a look at him, only to see a self- satisfied grin plastered across Godwin’s face.He thinks he has a real shot at this now. Bastard.
The carriage was smaller than his family travel coach and thus able to turn in tighter circles.Upon receiving Osmont’s note earlier that morning Freddie had raced out of the house and headed for the nearest coaching inn.He had eventually managed to find a willing carriage owner who would let him rent his horses and outfit for the day.Heading out to Richmond as soon as he was able, he spent the afternoon trying to best come to terms with handling a team of horses.
The last thing he did just before leaving Rosemount House was send word to Eve.It wasn’t the ideal situation, crying off so late in the day, but he trusted she would understand.Their kiss in the foyer of her family home had been poor payment for the pain he had caused her while he stood and insulted her family and heritage.He longed for the moment when the game was over and he could be himself with her.To hold her close and indulge in showing her how much she had come to mean to him.
It had been a shock to hear himself says the words—to call her his true love.But he was becoming more comfortable with that unfamiliar emotion.
“She knows how much this means to me, which is why I have to win this bloody race,” he muttered.
He pushed the thought of Eve from his mind; he needed all his concentration focused on the job at hand.He pulled back on the reins, and his team drew to a halt.He looked across as Godwin pulled up alongside him.
“Embry sends his apologies.Something about cakes in the oven!”shouted Godwin with a laugh.Freddie nodded.Trenton Embry had long ago given up on the challenges—it was Godwin he had to beat.
A starting line had been roughly fashioned with a stick in the dirt.They were both to take their teams to the top of a nearby hill, then bring them down along a long winding path back to the start.The first to cross the line with his team and coach still intact, would be declared the winner.
Freddie hadn’t seen this move coming, and he was fuming about it.Osmont knew Godwin was handy with a coach and four, and to Freddie’s mind had thrown this challenge in to make things difficult for him.If he didn’t win tonight, the points would be level.
He pushed the worry of the outcome from his mind as best he could.He needed to concentrate on the task at hand.He needed to win.
He missed hearing the starter’s gun go off, and only reacted when he saw the first of Godwin’s team leap into action.With a flick of his whip, Freddie’s horses started forward.
The ride to the top of the hill was a flat-out race.Neck and neck, they battled.By the time they reached the top Godwin had managed to snatch the lead.
“Blast!”Freddie did his best to harness his rage.Losing his temper at this moment would serve him no good.He settled over the reins and pulled his horses ready for the first turn.
Godwin stood up from his seat and raised his whip.His team kicked away, increasing the lead over Freddie.They swept through the first turn while Freddie had to haul back on the reins to keep his horses under control.
He was going to lose.Godwin was too strong.Freddie settled in the seat, accepting that the second-place points would have to suffice.He would have to find another way to get ahead of Godwin after today.
The upcoming third turn was a simple one from where Freddie could see it.Even he knew he could go through it at a fast clip.
He watched with fading hope as Godwin, who was still standing, cracked the whip over his team when they reached the top of the turn.His horses kicked again.
To Freddie’s shock, Godwin suddenly teetered on his feet and appeared to lose his footing.Time slowed as he leant further and further over to the left, before finally disappearing over the side of the coach.His horses continued on, taking their now driverless coach toward the finish line.
As Freddie reached the turn, he looked down and caught sight of Godwin getting to his feet on the side of the hill.He turned back and concentrated on the task at hand.Godwin did not appear to be injured; there was no need to stop and render assistance.
Closing in on the finish, Freddie passed Godwin’s coach and horses.He crossed the finish line and pulled up his team.
Relief, mixed with jubilation, coursed through his veins.Only a miracle could see Godwin reclaim the lead in the final week of the Bachelor Board challenge.
The look of anger on Osmont’s face was a fleeting one.By the time Freddie had climbed down from the coach, Osmont was once more displaying his usual emotionless countenance.
“Well done, Rosemount.Though you have to admit that Lord Godwin assisted in his own demise,” he said.
Freddie bit down on his bottom lip.As far as he was concerned he had won because Godwin had become cocky, nothing more.The points were his; he needed no ovation.
Osmont stepped back and another older gentleman stepped forward, his hand outstretched.A nod from Osmont quickly told him this was a hand he should take.
“Well, when the gods decide they are on your side you have to take all they give you.James Link is my name.Hopefully you and I shall be seeing a lot of each other shortly.If you do succeed in winning your seat on the Bachelor Board,I will be one of your first mentors.We will put up the cash for your first venture, and of course share in your rewards.You are about to have a whole new set of wealthy and powerful friends,” said Link.
“Thank you, I am looking forward to working with you.I promise I shall endeavor to be worthy of my place on the board,” replied Freddie.
With the race won and his standing in the competition almost unassailable it was encouraging he was now being introduced to the men who would be the secret to his future success.
“Bloody unlucky.That’s what I would call it,” said Godwin, jumping down from the back of the horse which had been sent to collect him.
“More like bloody foolish.You had the race won, Lord Godwin, and you threw it away,” replied Link.
He refused Godwin’s offered hand and turned back to Freddie.He placed a hand on Freddie’s back and smiled.“Soon, young Rosemount, the world will be your oyster.Soon.Good evening.”
Godwin shrugged.“Oh, well.At least I can say I gave you a good run for your money.Though the game is not yet over.I may still find a way to win.”
Freddie slapped him on the back.If he was to beat Godwin, then at least he knew there wouldn’t be any hard feelings.Now he would just have to hope Eve’s take on his non-appearance at her home this evening was as charitable.
He watched as James Link walked away and got into a gleaming black coach.Freddie noticed the horses, and from the look of them guessed at least half came from the Rosemount stables breeding program.Link had a team of six staff on his coach, all in full livery.If Freddie needed any further reminder of the wealth that would soon be within his reach, he saw it James Link’s ostentatious trappings of success.
