“Gentlemen.I trust you had a successful evening,” he said.
His gaze was locked firmly on Freddie as he spoke.When Godwin attempted to mention his own efforts in the race, Osmont put up his hand.
“Second means nothing, Lord Godwin.You either win or you may as well have stayed home and had an early night.The Bachelor Board does not reward also rans.”
He untied the string, which held his black book tightly closed, and opened it.He made a great show of running his finger down the open page.“As of this morning we have the Honorable Frederick Rosemount in first place on one hundred points.In second place, Lord Godwin Mewburton, on twenty points.And the Honorable Trenton Embry is yet to open his account.”He snapped the book shut and tucked it back under his arm.
“It would appear that Mr.Embry has not understood the rules of the Bachelor Board.So, I shall give you all a refresher,” he said.
A servant brought in a fresh pot of coffee.Freddie and Godwin eagerly picked up a cup each and sat back to enjoy an early morning heart-starter.Freddie’s head started to clear.The throb in his brain dropped a notch.
Osmont had told them the rules of the Bachelor Board enough times that Freddie felt he could recite them by heart.
“In order to secure your seat on the Bachelor Board you must accumulate enough points from a set of challenges which you are to undertake over the next month.If you are the successful candidate, you will gain unfettered access to some of the most powerful men in the country—men who can guarantee you a life of wealth and exclusive opportunity.You will never have to settle for being anything less than first among equals.Your older siblings will envy you.With all that in mind, I should not have to remind you that only one candidate from the three of you will be offered a seat on the Bachelor Board,” said Osmont.
The horse race down Oxford Street and Park Lane had been the first of the challenges.Freddie sat and smiled.He was off to an excellent start.
The crowd at Hyde Park Corner had all been cheering his name as he’d crossed the finish line.He would be the talk of many a breakfast table conversation this morning.By the end of his cadetship, he was determined all the right people in London would know who he was.He wouldn’t be known simply as Viscount Rosemount’s second son.He would be his own man.
The next member of the Bachelor Board would be the Honorable Frederick Rosemount.Nothing, and no one, was going to stop him.
