Chapter Four
“What do you think of Osmont Firebrace?”asked Lord Godwin.
Freddie turned from admiring the fine house in Silver Street, outside which they were standing.The street in which Osmont’s house stood was the home of many foreign embassies and diplomatic residences.
“I don’t really know him that well.I met him the day we started our cadetship.From the look of it, he must do well from the Bachelor Board.It takes serious blunt to be able to afford a house around Golden Square.Why do you ask?”replied Freddie.
“Nothing.It’s just that I find him to be an odd sort of chap.At times I catch him staring at me,” replied Godwin.
He headed toward the front steps of the house, followed by a slightly puzzled Freddie.Earlier that morning he’d caught Osmont giving him a long, slow look, which had left Freddie feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
From outside the house, there was nothing to suggest the sort of gathering which was being held inside.A servant opened the front door.His livery matched that of Osmont’s day-to-day attire: everything black, with a pure white shirt.
He looked Freddie and Godwin up and down.The look on his face was that which one would normally reserve for debt collectors or beggars.
“Yes?”he snapped.
Taken aback at such a greeting, Freddie hesitated for a moment.Then he remembered the secret entry code for the party.
“My colleague and I are here for a board meeting,” he replied.
“Very good, sir,” replied the butler, his demeanor instantly more respectful.
No sooner had Freddie and Godwin stepped inside and finished handing their coats and hats to a footman, then a glass of champagne was thrust into their hands.They clinked their glasses together.
“Bottoms up and chase it down with another,” said Godwin.
A large, red silk curtain separated the reception hall from the rest of the downstairs area.Upon stepping through the curtain, their senses were immediately assailed with sight, noise, and smell.
Everywhere Freddie looked he saw scantily clad young women and men.They were draped across the various plush couches and daybeds which were dotted around the room.None of them were alone.From the look of it, each of these hosts were busy attending to the needs of Osmont’s guests.
Freddie did a quick rough headcount and settled on a figure of fifty people.All were in varying stages of undress and all appeared to be talking at once.The room echoed with the sound of voices.
A heady cloud of smoke hung about the room.Freddie breathed in the mix of burning hashish and tobacco, bringing back memories of his time in the residential halls at university.The air was thick enough to give him an immediate small high.
“Ah.My latest protégés.So glad you could make it.”
They turned to see Osmont standing behind them.At his side was a tall, thin youth dressed in exactly the same black garb as Osmont.When the young man ran his gaze seductively up and down Freddie’s body, Freddie felt his skin crawl.He knew a sexual predator when he saw one.
“This is my nephew,” said Osmont, with barely a nod in the young man’s direction.
He didn’t bother introducing him by name.Freddie gave Godwin a look.There was likely no blood between uncle and supposed nephew.
“I see you didn’t bring Embry with you.I take it he thinks himself above having a spot of fun.Typical west country farmer.He is probably sitting at home right now having a second helping of scones for the night and thinking he is living the high life.”
Freddie and Godwin exchanged a grin.With Embry not bothering to take the game seriously it meant one of them would be the eventual winner.
“I don’t know why he is even attempting to feign interest in the challenges.Then again, his kind rarely make it onto the board,” continued Osmont.
The young man beside him tittered.
“Well, gentlemen, at least the two of you are keen to make your mark on London’s more interesting and select quarter of society.Why don’t you have a wander around and see what and whom takes your fancy?Everything and everyone is on offer,” said Osmont.
Godwin downed his glass of champagne in one long drink before eagerly seeking another.Freddie sipped his drink.He wasn’t that keen on champagne, preferring a decent brandy or a good French wine.
The two of them began a slow circuit of the large room, which Freddie surmised had been separate rooms at one time, but now had all the walls knocked out in order to create a large entertainment space.
At the first couch they came across a young woman caressing a much older man.Freddie stifled a laugh when he saw Godwin’s eyes grow wide with interest.At the next couch, a young bare-breasted woman beckoned for them to join her.Godwin moved like lightning and took a seat next to her.She pointed to the other side of the couch, motioning for Freddie to take a seat.
