Victoria Redux
by Gillian Ellipse
copyright ⓒ 2017
ACT ONE
1 EXT. GARDEN. BROCKET HALL. DAY.
Queen Victoria and Lord Melbourne stand on the grounds of Brocket Hall, out of sight of the house. In the background is a tall stone monument encircled by a bench. They are standing close together, as she has just told Melbourne something difficult to say. He hesitates a moment.
MELBOURNE: Ma'am, let us sit down on this bench to contemplate for a moment.
Victoria sits on the side of the bench away from the house. Melbourne slowly sits down beside her, arranging his coat and trying to close the cravat-less neck of his shirt. He very slowly takes her gloved hand in both of his and looks down at it.
MELBOURNE: Ma'am, I am 40 years older than you. That is not an inconsiderable gap. You must think of what that means.
VICTORIA: I know you are 60. If we have only 10 years together, that is better than none. I cannot bear to go a day without seeing you. I miss you so when we are not together.
MELBOURNE: But ma'am, I am becoming decrepit even as we speak. I do not sleep well. I suffer from indigestion and lumbago. I sit up drinking late into the night…
VICTORIA: [Interrupting] Perhaps you do not sleep well for the same reason that I do not: because you are in love! I also sit up late at night, looking at the sky and longing for you.
MELBOURNE: Ma'am, do you know that more than half of London has accused me of trying to seduce you since we first met, beginning with Conroy and most recently your Uncle Leopold? It would not go over well. This would just convince them that they were right all along.
VICTORIA: [Interrupting] I do not care. I love you, and I will always love you. I cannot live without your company, your voice, your laugh. There is not another man like you in all the world.
MELBOURNE: [gently releasing her hand] Ma'am, no matter what my inclination, my duty is to do what is in your best interest, and the best interest of the country. People would be sure that I had manipulated you for my own advantage. They would call me a lecherous old man. I think your family would rather see me dead. I have had more than enough of the pain and humiliation of scandal for one lifetime.
VICTORIA: I can protect you from that, and I do not care what any of them say!
MELBOURNE: [sighing] You once asked me why I have not married again. I was not completely candid with you. I should tell you now. My wife, Caroline, died 11 years ago. We started out much in love. Then it became a nightmare. She would fly into rages, scream and smash crockery. She would go out and form liaisons with other men. Byron was just one of them. When he found out what she was truly like, he no longer wanted her. She was terribly hurt. I took her back, took care of her. Then she wrote a novel exposing all of our family's and our closest friends' most private confidences. They all shunned her. We went through hell. When she died, I swore I would never marry again. I was too worn out. You have heard me say that I do not care about much but the Constitution and the Monarchy…
VICTORIA: But, I thought …
MELBOURNE: [still looking away from her] Please, ma'am, let me say this before I lose my resolve. It has been such a surprise to… to feel love again, at my advanced age. I never expected it. These past two years have been the happiest of my life, being your Prime Minister and your friend, your advisor. Seeing you almost every day, being in each other's confidence. Our close bond brings me a joy, a contentment I have never known before. But it would be too selfish of me to give in to what would bring me the most joy. It would not be best for you.
VICTORIA: If you will not marry me, they will make me marry someone else. One of those foolish or priggish boy-princes I cannot stand. You know that they will make me!
MELBOURNE: I know.
VICTORIA: Is that what you want?
MELBOURNE: I cannot be so selfish. You are my queen. My duty is to put my feelings aside, for the good of the country.
VICTORIA: Why must you always put principles and duty above our happiness? Enough of principles! Do not you and I have as much right to be happy as any other human beings? If you do not marry me, we will be separated forever. You will have a lonely old age with no family. You will have to watch me marry someone else and have children with him. And, I know you think having children with either of my first cousins who are being pushed on me is not a good idea.
MELBOURNE: Hah! That is true, but what about all my infirmities? You would soon be burdened with an old man.
VICTORIA: [laughing] That man who is my favorite partner for dancing and riding, for walking and for whist? Maybe the cause of your infirmities is that you are starting to lose your joie-de-vivre … because everyone has been telling you that I will have to marry someone else soon. Have they not?
MELBOURNE: Well, yes. Your Uncle Leopold and Sir John club me with that constantly, and sometimes even Emma mentions it.
VICTORIA: And you have resigned yourself to that. But, that need not be. It is in your hands. If we marry, you will regain your joie-de-vivre. You have told me yourself that you eat too much and drink too much, and that pork does not agree with you. If you would let me take charge of your meals, and not sit up drinking half the night — which I assume you would not do with a young wife awaiting you — you would regain your health. I would cuddle you to sleep every night. We would take exercise together every day. It would please me so to take care of you. I want to take care of you. Let me. You have said you are tired of being Prime Minister. This would give you a perfect way to step down without hurting your party. And, after we are married, you can continue teaching me how to rule. There would be just as much peace and tranquility in the land, and in our lives, as ever you have desired.
MELBOURNE: [unable to look at her] Ma'am, I am in danger of having you overcome my scruples. But I know I must resist. You dangle before me a vision of paradise — for me, but not for you.
VICTORIA: But, I cannot bear to be parted from you. We must be together, for as long as we can. I do not want to marry anyone else.
A long silence. He sighs.
MELBOURNE: Ma'am, no matter what my inclination, it would not be right, and no one would think it right. You must know that.
He finally looks into her eyes. He places his hand on her cheek. His eyes fill with tears. A voice is heard approaching from the direction of the house.
FOOTMAN: My lord, are you out here? My lord?
Melbourne jumps to his feet and rounds the monument to the other side, from where Victoria is not visible.
MELBOURNE: Yes?
FOOTMAN: My lord, a dispatch has arrived from Parliament that is marked "urgent."
MELBOURNE: I will be there directly, in one moment.
FOOTMAN: Very good, my lord.
The footman runs toward the house, out of sight. Melbourne rounds the monument to where Victoria sits.
MELBOURNE: You must think this through, ma'am. Let us go back to the house now.
He stretches out his hand to her. She takes it and rises. They disentangle their hands and walk to the other side of the monument. Dark clouds are gathering. Victoria pulls down her veil.
2 INT. DINING ROOM. BROCKET HALL. DUSK.
Melbourne and Victoria sit at the dining table, at opposite ends, finishing dinner. A storm rages outside, sounding like a hurricane, with rain beating on the windows and wind howling. She is in the same clothes as in Scene 1, minus the bonnet and veil. Melbourne has changed into proper dinner attire. The butler stands to one side, at attention.
MELBOURNE: This storm cannot keep up much longer. It has already gone on for hours. I cannot believe how suddenly it started — we almost did not get into the house in time.
VICTORIA: If it does keep on, it may not be safe to drive back to the palace tonight. The horses would be frightened and the country roads might be impassible.
MELBOURNE: Thornfield, would you go and speak with her Majesty's coachman about whether it would be safe for her to travel now?
THORNFIELD: Certainly, my lord.
The butler exits.
MELBOURNE: Ma'am, there would be a scandal if you stayed at Brocket overnight, with no other guests. Especially since you stole away from the palace in Emma's carriage by yourself, without an escort, with only her one coachman. That in itself looks bad enough.
VICTORIA: Would it be better for me to be stuck in an overturned coach in a muddy ditch all night, Lord M.?
MELBOURNE: Of course not, ma'am, but we must weigh the danger also of offending propriety.
VICTORIA: I do not see what is wrong with my staying. It is traditional for monarchs to make overnight visits to the country homes of lords. It is usually considered an honor to the house.
She smiles, taunting him. Duly taunted, he looks exasperated yet amused.
MELBOURNE: But you have no dresser or maid with you, no other clothing … and we have no ladies' maid at Brocket at present. The only one who could help you tonight would be Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper.
VICTORIA: She seems a nice sort. I will not mind.
The butler returns to the room.
THORNFIELD: My lord, the coachman says it will not be safe for her Majesty to travel until the morning.
Melbourne suppresses annoyance, while Victoria suppresses a triumphant smile.
MELBOURNE: Thornfield, would you have Mrs. Fairfax come in?
The butler exits. An awkward silence reigns until the butler and Fairfax enter.
FAIRFAX: Yes, my lord?
MELBOURNE: Mrs. Fairfax, the coachman has declared it unsafe for her Majesty to return to the palace tonight, so we must accommodate the Queen as best we can for this unexpected honor. Please make up the royal bedchamber, light the fire, and see if you can find some of those, er, nightdresses made of lace that my mother and sister bought in Paris. And whatever else her Majesty may need for her comfort. Her Majesty will need help with all the buttons on the back of her… I'm sure you will know what is needed.
FAIRFAX: Very good, my lord. It will be an honor to serve her Majesty.
Fairfax curtsies very properly to Victoria and leaves the room to get started. Fairfax is not flustered by royalty, having seen many before. Melbourne has lost his appetite, but Victoria continues to eat daintily.
MELBOURNE: Thornfield, would you pour us some more wine?
The butler fills both glasses with red wine. Victoria continues to eat.
VICTORIA: We will have to dispatch a messenger on horseback to the palace as soon as the storm lets up, so they will not send out a search party. I will write a note for him to deliver. May I have some paper, ink and a pen?
Victoria rises from the table, and Melbourne then rises.
MELBOURNE: Certainly, Ma'am. Let me show you to my study.
Melbourne and Victoria exit.
3 INT. ROYAL BEDCHAMBER. BROCKET HALL. NIGHT.
Brocket Hall's best guest room has been dusted and readied for the Queen. It is a large room, sumptuously appointed, with a sitting area and large windows to the front of the house. A fire burns in the grate. Candles glow on a fine bureau, on a bedside table, and on a dressing table with mirror. A silver-backed comb and brush sit on the dressing table. Three lacy white nightdresses of varying sizes and a maroon velvet dressing gown are laid out on the bed. A pair of embroidered bedroom slippers sit by the bed, on the soft carpet. A maid enters with a large pitcher of water and places it on the washstand with the matching chinoiserie washbowl, alongside the best towels Brocket has to offer. She exits. After a moment, Victoria and Fairfax enter.
FAIRFAX: I hope your Majesty will be comfortable here.
VICTORIA: This will do fine, Mrs. Fairfax. Could you please unfasten my dress in back?
Fairfax closes the door of the bedroom.
FAIRFAX: Certainly, your Majesty. The last three Kings, your grandfather and two uncles, have each stayed in this chamber.
Fairfax unfastens the back of Victoria's dress.
VICTORIA: Really? It is a lovely chamber, very inviting... If you could help me get out of the dress and out of my corset, then I think I can manage.
Fairfax takes the dress and hangs it in the armoire. Then she unlaces the corset in the back and helps Victoria step out of it. Fairfax places the corset in the armoire. Victoria stands in a white cotton shift, her shoes and stockings.
VICTORIA: Thank you so much, Mrs. Fairfax. I believe I can manage now.
FAIRFAX: Goodnight, your Majesty.
Fairfax curtsies, exits and closes the door. As Victoria sits at the dressing table and removes her shoes and stockings, the grand house is silent but for the fading storm outside. A smile plays on her lips as she lets down her hair and brushes it out. She rises and walks to the washstand, beginning to remove her shift.
4 INT. ROYAL BEDCHAMBER. BROCKET HALL. NIGHT.
Victoria lies in the bed of the guest room, wide awake. She is wearing one of the lace nightdresses laid out for her, while the other two lie on a chair with the dressing gown. She listens carefully but hears no sound at all but the last of the storm outside. She slips out of bed and puts her feet into the slippers. She walks quietly to the door and opens it a crack. She peers out, seeing only an empty hallway with one candle lit, and a crack of light under a door at the very far end of the hall.
5 INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY. BROCKET HALL. NIGHT.
Victoria closes the door of her bedroom behind her and pads quietly down the hall to the far door with the light showing under it. She knocks very softly and pushes the door open.
6 INT. MELBOURNE'S BEDCHAMBER. BROCKET HALL. NIGHT.
Melbourne, in his nightshirt and dressing gown, sits in a chintz-covered chair with a candle, an almost-empty bottle of brandy and a glass on a small table beside him. His bed appears untouched, fully made. He is startled and stands, dropping his book while trying to close his dressing gown. Victoria quickly enters and closes the door softly behind her. He clutches his heart dramatically.
MELBOURNE: Ma'am, you almost gave me a heart attack. You forget how elderly I am. This is not at all a good idea.
VICTORIA: I am sorry I startled you, Lord M. I could not sleep, and I thought you might also be awake. Is not now a good time to talk, while we are truly alone and will not be interrupted?
Victoria quickly sits primly on a facing chair. Nonplussed for once, Melbourne sinks apprehensively back into his chair. He picks up his book from the floor and closes it upon the table. He looks at her dark hair falling over the white lace of the nightdress, and her feet bare in slippers.
MELBOURNE: It is very unwise for you to be in my bedchamber, your Majesty.
VICTORIA: Lord M., I came to try to persuade you to marry me. I am not at all dissuaded by what you told me today; I only love you more. I know what love is, and I know it is you I love. It has nothing to do with age. Please do not break my heart. I think it would also break your heart for us to part. I promise I will never scream at you. I will be a faithful and loving wife to you.
Very quickly, Victoria rises and sits on his lap. Before he can react, she puts her arms around his neck and kisses him. She pulls back from the kiss, startled by the intensity of her feelings. They both look thunderstruck. She kisses him again. Finally, his arms gently enclose her. She nestles her head against his chest for a moment to catch her breath and hears his heart beating fast. She kisses him again, wanting to kiss him forever, unaware of time. Then, Victoria stands up and takes his hands in hers, trying to pull him toward the bed.
MELBOURNE: No, ma'am, no. It would not be…, my God …
Victoria pulls open his bedcovers and gets under them, leaving her slippers on the floor. She reaches down under the covers, pulls her nightdress over her head, and throws it on the floor beside the bed. Her dark hair falls across the pillows. With a groan of defeat, he removes his dressing gown, and gets into the bed beside her. They gaze at each other for a second, and then there is no space between them at all.
7 INT. MELBOURNE'S BEDCHAMBER. BROCKET HALL. DAWN.
Victoria wakes at the first light of dawn, snuggled against Melbourne's back, her arm around his chest. He sleeps soundly, silently. She inhales the fine, male smell of him. She smiles contentedly and gently disengages her arm. She picks up her nightgown from the floor and puts it on. She softly rises from the bed, replacing the covers and plumping her pillow once she is out of the bed. She walks to his side of the bed and looks at him sleeping. A sweet smile lights up her face. She puts on her slippers and very quietly opens the door a crack. Seeing only an empty hallway, and hearing no one about, she exits and closes the door silently behind her.
8 INT. ROYAL BEDCHAMBER. BROCKET HALL. DAY.
Victoria enters her room and silently closes the door. She sits on her bed to remove her slippers, then gets under the covers. She looks triumphant. She sleeps.
9 INT. BROCKET HALL. SUNROOM. DAY.
Victoria and Melbourne leave the last of their breakfast on the table in the breakfast room to enter the adjacent sunroom as the clock strikes ten. She wears the same dress as the day before. She has done her hair herself in a simple chignon. Melbourne is dressed for Parliament. In his eyes, there is hope, and the fear of having hope, plus love and the fear of feeling love. He closes the french doors to the breakfast room firmly behind them. They are alone at last. They sit in adjacent chairs, facing out to the muddy garden, and try to look formal, as a queen and her prime minister should. They cannot touch each other, as someone may be looking through the glass of the doors. Melbourne does not know what to say. Victoria speaks softly and playfully.
VICTORIA: Now your duty has changed, Lord M! Your duty now is to marry me, and soon, as I may be enceinte! Have I not arranged everything very cleverly?
Now that he knows which way the wind blows, he can smile.
MELBOURNE: Yes, my dear, once again you have outflanked me!
VICTORIA: I am yours and you are mine, and that is all that matters. I never knew there could be such happiness.
MELBOURNE: Yes! But, dearest, we must quickly work out how to handle this. I think we have to do something right away, as the newspapers might report tomorrow that you stayed at Brocket unchaperoned last night. You know gossip is the lifeblood of the palace.
VICTORIA: Yes, I have never understood how everyone knows everything right away. Uncle Leopold and Sir John, especially, seem to know immediately everything that happens outside their presence. They are so nosy. I know they will both try to prevent us from marrying. They have both been trying to control me ever since I became queen, but that ends now. They would not imagine trying to control a young king in that manner. I think I know how I can get Sir John to leave court for good. As for Uncle Leopold, he will just have to learn to live with our marriage. And, as for my people, does not everyone like a good love story with a bumpy road that ends in a wedding? I know that Miss Jane Austen always thought so!
MELBOURNE: That is true. But how do we tell them our love story, quickly, and from our perspective?
VICTORIA: Well, let me think…. I remember you said the members of Parliament were so moved by that honest, inartful letter I sent you, begging you not to step down as Prime Minister, when we had the crisis over my ladies. What if I were to write a plain, honest letter to my people, expressing my love for you and that I have finally managed to persuade you to marry me? And saying we will marry very soon? Do you not think the people would be happy for their young queen? You are so well-liked. They would have no reason for objection. Especially if we produce an heir soon. If I have the letter posted at the palace gates this afternoon, it will be on the front page of every newspaper tomorrow morning. Then no one would notice — or care — if I stayed here last night.
MELBOURNE: Darling, that is a wonderful idea. And, I had better give my party my notice of resignation as Prime Minister this afternoon. I will leave them a letter to be opened tomorrow morning. They have had me long enough and may be glad to be rid of me!
VICTORIA: No, I am convinced they love you also! My dearest, sweet, darling Lord M.
She gazes at him adoringly. He smiles.
MELBOURNE: Do you think you should call me William now?
VICTORIA: [laughing] Oh, I do not know if I will ever be able to do that! Now, I had better get back to the palace to write that letter.
She rises. He rises. They go back into the house through the breakfast room, on their best behavior.
10 EXT. BROCKET HALL. FRONT EXIT. DAY.
Lady Portman's coach waits at the front door for the Queen. Melbourne escorts Victoria, now wearing her bonnet and veil, out the door and to the carriage. He opens the door of the carriage for her and helps her in. When she is settled, they smile at each other.
MELBOURNE: I will leave for town shortly, and will come by the palace after I stop at the House. Safe travel, your Majesty!
Victoria only smiles. A footman folds up the steps to the carriage. The coach begins its journey back to London. A glorious blue sky frames Brocket Hall as the horses gallop away. Victoria stretches out her arms and yawns luxuriantly, while no one can see her. She smiles to recall the events of the night, giggles quietly and hugs herself.
11 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. VICTORIA'S PRIVATE SITTING ROOM. DAY.
Victoria enters quickly, wearing the same dress she wore to Brocket Hall the day before. Dash dances joyfully around her feet. She hums happily to herself as she removes her bonnet and black veil. Suddenly, her mother, her Uncle Leopold and Sir John Conroy converge upon her. Lehzen enters a bit behind them, less noticeable. Lehzen does not know whether to stay or go; she hangs back. The three others all speak loudly at once, creating an onslaught on Victoria.
MAMA: Drina, what in the world were you thinking?
LEOPOLD: Victoria, this will cause a scandal!
CONROY: [glowering meanly, as usual] This is just what I have feared all along! This will be in the newspapers!
MAMA: Why did you go to Brocket Hall? And with no escort? I did not know where you were. Then I found out you had only Lady Portman's coachman with you. Anything could have happened to you! It was not safe!
VICTORIA: Enough! I am fine, as you can see. I needed to speak with Lord Melbourne and I did not want to make a fuss about it. When I was about to leave Brocket Hall to return to the palace yesterday afternoon, that terrible storm overtook us and it was not safe to travel. I had no choice but to stay there. They gave me the royal bedchamber, where they said the last three Kings each stayed, and the housekeeper helped me with my dress. I did my hair myself this morning. Do you like it? There, that is all. I will not be questioned about my decisions that are in the past. You forget that I am the Queen, not a child to be reprimanded. Now, I appreciate your concern. I sent a messenger with a note as soon as it was safe to ride, so that you would not worry. All's well that ends well. Let that be the end of this discussion!
Lehzen quietly leaves the room. Mama and Leopold look at each other. Mama and Conroy look at each other. None of them want to let this go, but they have been ordered to desist by a newly authoritative Queen, in no uncertain terms, and they decide to obey. Grumbling, they turn to leave the room. The words "shocking" and "scandalous" can be heard as they go.
VICTORIA: Oh, and Sir John! I should like to speak with you in my office in one hour.
Conroy stops in his tracks and looks more suspicious than usual. He makes no reply. Victoria sweeps into her bedchamber, where her dressers await her. The doors from the bedchamber to the sitting room are closed.
12 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. VICTORIA'S OFFICE OF STATE. DAY.
Victoria sits at her official desk, with the Queen's dispatch box before her, reading official papers. She has bathed and changed her dress, and had her hair done. Other people go in and out of the room on official business. When Conroy is announced, she closes the dispatch box.
VICTORIA: Yes, Sir John, please be seated. You are hereby informed, Sir John, that this morning was the last time you will ever speak to the Queen in a disrespectful manner. You would be wise to return to your estate in Ireland. If you give us your solemn oath that you will be gone from the palace by 4 o'clock this afternoon, never to return, we are willing to give you an Irish title and 2,000 a year.
CONROY:[stunned, and speaking in a respectful tone, as challengingly as he dares] But, your Majesty's mother will be very upset. She has depended on me these many years.
VICTORIA: You have made her dependent upon you. She will do much better on her own, with the help of family. Please take the time to consider her feelings in saying your goodbye. Do we have your solemn oath to abide by this agreement?
CONROY: [Fury and avarice vie for control of his face] Yes, your Majesty.
VICTORIA: Very good. You may leave us.
Conroy looks stunned and angry at being outfoxed by this child who he never thought capable of it. He slowly rises, belatedly remembers to bow, and exits. Once he is gone, Victoria rises and runs out a different door.
13 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. DUCHESS OF KENT'S SITTING ROOM. DAY.
Victoria sweeps in to find her mother sitting alone. She is glad to have arrived before Sir John. She sits down right beside her mother.
VICTORIA: Mama, I have two pieces of news to tell you that I think will make our lives much happier. I hope you will come to see it that way also. These are changes that needed to happen.
MAMA: What is it, Drina?
VICTORIA: I have asked Lord M. to marry me. He felt it was his duty to refuse, but I would not let him. He finally agreed. I am so happy! Please be happy for me, Mama.
The Duchess of Kent looks shocked and speechless as Victoria briefly takes her hand. Sir John arrives at the door behind them, looks in, sees Victoria is there, and turns on his heel to leave quickly.
VICTORIA: You know that Sir John would try to stop us from marrying. I do not want him to know of our engagement yet. I have promised Sir John an Irish title and 2,000 a year if he will leave the palace for good by 4 o'clock today and return to Ireland immediately. Once he is gone, my letter to my people will be posted at the palace gates, announcing my engagement.
The Duchess begins to cry quietly.
VICTORIA: Mama, you and I will get along much better without his presence. I will take care of you, raise your allowance, and buy you some pretty dresses. I will invite the most interesting men in London to the palace for you to talk with over dinner. I am going to explain in my letter that Lord M. and I will marry very soon. I will need your help with Uncle Leopold, who I am sure will not be happy to hear this news. If you can help him accept that this is a fait accompli and there is no point in his carrying on about it, I would be grateful. Now, I must go and write my letter. Do not worry, Mama, we shall be happy!
Victoria is so carried away with being in love that she kisses Mama on the cheek before rising and running out of the room.
14 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. VICTORIA'S PRIVATE SITTING ROOM. DAY.
Victoria hurries in from seeing her mother. Her ladies in waiting greet her with curtsies. They are dying of curiosity but dare not ask any questions of the Queen. They eye each other when Victoria is not looking.
VICTORIA: Emma, I am so sorry about keeping your carriage out overnight. That storm was frightful! The mud was still knee-deep in many places this morning, and trees had fallen. I hope the palace arranged to transport you wherever you needed to go.
EMMA: Yes, Ma'am, I was well taken care of, thank you.
VICTORIA: If you ladies would excuse me for a while, I must write an important letter. I will invite you back in as soon as it is finished. Would you please send Lehzen in?
The ladies curtsy and leave the room. Lehzen enters and closes the door behind her. She curtsies.
VICTORIA: Lehzen, I have ordered Sir John to leave court forever by 4 o'clock this afternoon. I want a member of the Household Guard placed at his side immediately, to ensure that he commits no misdeeds while he remains, and that he is out the gates by 4 o'clock with all his possessions, and only his. Inform the Household Guard that he is never to be readmitted. As soon as the palace gates are closed behind him, I would like you to post at the gates a letter to my people which I will now write.
LEHZEN: [impressed by the courage of the 20-year-old Queen, and pleased at the banishment of Conroy] Certainly, Majesty.
Lehzen curtsies, leaves the room and closes the door. Victoria sits down at her writing desk and smooths out a piece of stationery. She dips a pen in her inkwell, taps the top of the pen on her lip in thought, and then begins to write. Dash lies down at her feet, looking up at Victoria to try to gauge how long she will be there.
15 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. ANOTHER SITTING ROOM. DAY.
Victoria's ladies in waiting have tea as they wait for their Queen to write her letter. They chat desultorily.
LADY 1: Something is definitely going on.
LADY 2: Did you see how happy her Majesty looks, sort of lit up from within?
EMMA: I am sure we will learn soon enough. I am just glad to have my Queen and my carriage safely returned.
16 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. VICTORIA'S SITTING ROOM. DAY.
Dash is sound asleep on his side at Victoria's feet, under her writing desk. Victoria is finally happy with her letter. When she tears up earlier drafts into small pieces and moves to throw them away, Dash awakens. Victoria rises and opens the door to summon Lehzen. Lehzen enters and closes the door. Victoria takes the letter and moves to the love seat.
VICTORIA: Lehzen, come and sit over here with me so that I may show you the letter.
Lehzen sits. Victoria hands her the letter. Lehzen begins to read it. Her face changes but she says nothing. When she gets to the end, she puts the letter in her lap and smooths her dress. She swallows while she thinks of what to say.
LEHZEN: Majesty, if you are certain, then I wish you every happiness!
VICTORIA: Thank you, dear Lehzen, I am quite certain! This is a secret known only to you and Mama, until the letter is posted at the gates.
LEHZEN: I will take care of it, Majesty.
VICTORIA: And please let my ladies come in? I will not tell them the news until the letter is posted.
Lehzen curtsies and exits, holding the letter folded. After a moment, the ladies enter the room.
VICTORIA: How good it is to see you all! Now, tell me what I missed while I was gone!
The ladies surround Victoria and start chattering their news.
17 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. VICTORIA'S PRIVATE SITTING ROOM. DAY.
Victoria and her ladies are sitting and chatting happily, as usual. A knock at the door, and Melbourne is announced.
VICTORIA: Yes, have him come in. My ladies, please excuse us.
The ladies all curtsy and leave the room. Melbourne enters and the doors are closed behind him. Victoria's face lights up as she moves toward Melbourne to embrace him.
VICTORIA: My dearest Lord M! Sit over here with me.
He sits beside her on the love seat. She plants a quick kiss on his cheek. He holds her to his breast briefly and kisses her hair.
MELBOURNE: Darling, what happened when you got back to the palace? I have been worried about you.
VICTORIA: Mama, Uncle Leopold and Sir John descended upon me immediately with a thousand questions. I told them this much truth: that I needed to speak to you, the storm came suddenly, and it was not safe to travel. I told them each of the last three kings had stayed in the same royal bedchamber, so what's the difference if I did?
MELBOURNE: Oh, my dearest, we are in for a bigger storm now!
He kisses her hair again and pulls a small box from his pocket.
MELBOURNE: I have brought you my mother's diamond ring. I imagine it will be too large for you, so I will have it made smaller.
VICTORIA: [opening the box] Oh, it is beautiful! I can wear it on my middle finger for now. [extending her left hand and admiring the ring on her middle finger] Thank you, my dearest. My sweet darling, dearest Lord M.
They kiss.
VICTORIA: I can wear it now, because soon my letter will be posted at the palace gates, and I will tell my ladies. I have already told Mama and Lehzen.
MELBOURNE: How did they react?
VICTORIA: Mama was stunned and speechless. I followed with the news that Sir John was not to be told yet, and that I was banishing him to Ireland with an Irish title and 2,000 a year, effective immediately.
MELBOURNE: By God, you are brave!
VICTORIA: Then Mama cried. I tried to comfort her. I asked her to help me with Uncle Leopold, who is out.
MELBOURNE: He is probably visiting his mistress.
VICTORIA: His what?!
MELBOURNE: I thought you knew. There is an actress whose household he supports, including … his child.
VICTORIA: Is that why he comes to London so often, not just to plague me? [She whips around to look at him more closely] You do not have a mistress, do you?
MELBOURNE: [Looking straight at her and smiling] Oh, God, no! You are more than I can handle, my darling.
He kisses her hand. She smiles at him playfully.
VICTORIA: He and Mama will realize that our engagement cannot be undone. They will get used to it.
MELBOURNE: God knows it is not nearly as bad as the situations almost all the kings before and since Henry VIII have gotten into! If married kings can take mistresses and put them on the payroll, or have their wives beheaded to avoid divorce, can an unmarried queen not marry the widowed Prime Minister?! It seems rather boring by comparison.
VICTORIA: I hope this works. I do not want us starting out with controversy and discord.
MELBOURNE: You have arranged everything brilliantly. Come here, my brave and beautiful queen.
They kiss again. A knock is heard at the door. They fly apart, straightening themselves and catching their breath. Lehzen comes in with a copy of the letter, folded. Lehzen curtsies.
LEHZEN: Majesty, Sir John has just left the palace with his things. Your letter is being posted at the gates. I have had the clerks write some copies; here is one for you, Majesty. Lord Melbourne, may I wish you joy?
Melbourne bows kindly to Lehzen. Lehzen gives the letter to Victoria, curtsies again, and leaves, closing the door behind her. Victoria hands her letter to Melbourne. He reads it. Tears well up in his eyes.
MELBOURNE: You do write the most touching, honest letters. I feel sure that the country will sympathize. No one can resist you. I certainly could not.
He holds her and kisses her hair.
VICTORIA: You will come to dinner tonight, will you not? Then no one will try to bully me. And you can help me with Uncle Leopold.
MELBOURNE: Yes, darling, of course.
He kisses her hand.
VICTORIA: I had better tell my ladies the news before they hear it from someone else. Do you want to be here when I tell them?
MELBOURNE: Hmm, better not. I will go to Dover House to do some work and change for dinner.
Melbourne kisses her hand again and exits, leaving the door open. The ladies enter eagerly, knowing something big is going on but not knowing what.
VICTORIA: My ladies, I have some happy news for you! I have asked Lord M. to marry me. It took a lot of persuasion to make him believe this would not be counter to his duty to the crown, but he finally gave in and accepted. I am so very happy! He gave me his mother's ring!
Victoria holds out her left hand to show the diamond ring sparkling on her middle finger. The ladies gather around Victoria to look at the ring and to embrace her, with coos of excitement and genuine happiness. Any doubts that any may entertain are not expressed, except in a lifted eyebrow to each other, when no one else is looking.
VICTORIA: I have written a letter to my people and had it posted at the palace gates, so the news is out now.
EMMA: And, wonderful news it is, ma'am! I have always thought that William is the handsomest, cleverest, and most kind-hearted man I have ever known. I am sure you will be very happy, and he deserves to have a good wife.
18 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. DINING ROOM. NIGHT.
Melbourne sits to Victoria's left at the large, formal table. Mama sits on her other side, still looking stunned. Lehzen and the ladies and gentlemen of the court also sit at the table, trying hard to make pleasant small talk. Uncle Leopold strides in, red-faced and furious. He sits down beside his sister. Dash hovers by Victoria's chair, hoping for scraps.
LEOPOLD: [angrily] All of London is talking. What have you done, Victoria?
VICTORIA: I have proposed to the man I love, and he has been persuaded to accept me. I am very happy and look forward to receiving the blessings of all my uncles.
LEOPOLD: You do not have my blessing! You must stop this madness before it goes too far! This is a childish game, and you must stop playing! And, Lord Melbourne, I thought you had more sense! And sense of your duty to the crown.
MELBOURNE: [unintimidated] My duty to the crown is always uppermost in my mind, King Leopold.
LEOPOLD: It does not appear so!
VICTORIA: [calmly but with absolute firmness] Uncle Leopold, there will be no stopping this wedding. If you try to create any difficulties for us, you will no longer be welcome in any of my homes.
Victoria puts some food from her plate onto Dash's plate. Dash gobbles the food. Leopold opens his mouth to speak, but then thinks better of it. He is still furious, but now conscious that there is a line he must not cross with the Queen. They all eat silently.
19 INT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. VICTORIA'S BEDROOM. DAY.
Victoria awakens in her bed the next morning and looks at the diamond ring on the middle finger of her left hand. She smiles. She hears a clamor from her window and bounces out of bed to look outside. She sees throngs of smiling people waving their arms, chanting her name, and placing bouquets of flowers at the gate to the palace. Tears spring to her eyes, as she realizes that her people are happy for her.
VICTORIA: Lehzen! Lehzen!
Lehzen enters from the sitting room.
LEHZEN: Yes, ma'am? Is everything all right?
VICTORIA: Yes, it is wonderful! Have you seen the people outside the gates? I want to dress quickly and go out on the balcony to greet them!
LEHZEN: I will have your dressers come in right away, ma'am.
Lehzen curtsies and exits. Shortly, Victoria's two dressers enter and begin their duties.
20 INT./EXT. BUCKINGHAM PALACE. BALCONY. DAY.
Victoria runs into the room that leads onto the front balcony. The voices of the crowd gathered outside the palace gates can be heard.
THE CROWD: Victoria! Victoria! God save the queen!
A footman opens the doors that lead onto the balcony. The voices of the crowd can be heard much more clearly. As Victoria steps out onto the balcony and waves to the crowd, a roar goes up. Victoria waves regally, beatifically. She is very moved, very happy, filled with love for Melbourne and for her people.
THE CROWD: We wish you joy, your majesty! God save Queen Victoria!
END OF ACT ONE
