White Christmas
If you cant indulge in a little Vicbourne at Christmas then when can you?! I hope you enjoy it. This is not a historically accurate fan fic (for obvious reasons).
Christmas. What a beautiful time of year. Victoria looked over the palace grounds from the window, it was a tradition that every year was becoming bigger and more widespread. The palace was decorated with trees and trimmings. A dance was planned along with a huge dinner party. Victoria also had a selection of public appearances to make over the next few days. But Christmas day itself would be spent with her family and closest friends.
She touched her hand against the window pane, the glass was freezing against her warm skin. As far as her eyes could see was white, the snow laid heavy and thick on the ground, the pond frozen over. The land glistened and sparkled in the morning light. Excitement crept over her as she momentarily remembered her age.
Of course, her royal duties have not been put on hold, but they would be somewhat more joyful under certain company. Then there was her family.
Victoria turned around and walked towards the fire in her chambers. She was not yet dressed, it was early. The staff would not yet be around.
Sitting on the divan beside the fire Victoria remembered turning her possible suitor Albert down just last week. The choice had not been taken positively. The duchess had lectured her on her duty to marry, how she was failing her country by putting it off. The staff gossiped, her ladies, although they did not confront Victoria had silently disapproved, then of course her Uncle Leopold had taken a rather negative view on it.
Albert had left the palace a few days ago. Victoria had said a cold goodbye after the prince had been incredibly rude and anti-social since she had confessed to him her desire was not to marry him. He had called it a single-minded decision and that her attentions were located elsewhere. Victoria had obviously known what he was implying.
She had yet to tell Lord Melbourne about her rejection of the Prince, he had encouraged her to give him a chance, and reminded her she needed a husband rather than a companion. Truthfully this worried Victoria, he had never really shown any strong inclinations towards her, only hinted his affections towards her, she may well have been reading into them to deeply.
She was aware however that he knew of her feelings towards him. She hoped he would not be annoyed at her for turning down the prince. Victoria hoped he would spend much of his Christmas by her side.
She found herself lost in the thought of him most of the time. Accepting the duty to marry someone whom she did not love purely for the convivence was wrong, she could not bring herself to do it. Yes, she was young, and at times foolish, but her feelings had not changed, and something inside her told her that they never will.
A figure in the corner of her eye caught her attention, turning she saw Lehzen.
''Good morning Your Majesty'' The woman bowed respectively ''It is still early, why are you out of bed already?''
''I couldn't sleep. There is so much to think about, so much to do, to look forward to'' Victoria felt a bit like a child then, but she did not feel the need to hide her feelings towards her Baroness, the woman had seen Victoria grow up''
''Indeed Majesty'' Lehzen smiled softly towards the young woman, feeling her excitement over these new times ''Are you ready to be dressed?''
''Yes Lehzen, and I wish to go for a walk before breakfast, the snow is divine outside''
The Baroness bowed and went off to send for the dresser.
The snow crunched under her feet as she walked across the covered grounds. The cool winter air hit her lungs, cleansing them. She took a long deep breath. It was bitterly cold outside, but just so beautiful.
''This would make a beautiful painting'' Victoria turned to her ladies, who despite following her did not seem impressed to be outside in the cold. ''Everything is in such fine detail, look at the leaves'' Victoria walked over to a near by tree, the leaves sparkled as the hard frost and snow glittered against the mornings sun.
''It is a beautiful time of year ma'am'' Harriett smiled warmly to the Queen.
The pond was frozen solid, it had been for a few days. Victoria chucked a stone onto the surface and watched it slide across the ice, not even chipping the substance.
''I would love to go riding after breakfast'' She laughed as her dog ran about in the snow, jumping out of the depth and rolling in it. She had not seen him so active in so long. The ladies all laughed as they watched the dog run about for a few minutes.
''I am not sure that is wise ma'am, the snow will get balled up in the horses feet. It will be tough going for them''
''I shall most likely stick to the trails that will be cleared for visitors, and I will be with Lord Melbourne anyway'' Victoria observed Emma's face as it fell slightly.
''He is coming to the palace today, he said he would return this week, I have much to discuss with him'' Victoria walked back to her ladies, passing them she headed towards the house.
Lord Melbourne swung his leg over his horses neck, sliding down from the saddle he handed the reins over to the groom waiting to collect the animal. It had been a very cold ride to the palace today. But he had been so busy working that it was nice to get out in the air for a change.
A sudden pang of anxiety rolled through him as he started up the steps to the double doors. He had not seen Victoria for a few days. He wondered if much had changed. If she had anything major to tell him, he had gone away mainly to give the Monarch some time alone with the Prince. It was not what he wanted. But he had to remain impartial as he knew change was inevitable. Still he found himself slightly joyous at the idea of spending time with her.
He paused for a moment once he entered the palace. The place had been decorated beautifully. The trees trimmed up to perfection. He remembered how Victoria had spoken of her excitement at the ever-growing tradition.
Walking down the corridor he observed how the lights of the candles shimmered against the decorations on the mirrors and trees. The palace seemed so much lighter, warmer.
Lord Melbourne found himself growing slightly excited to see the young woman. His heart had accelerated as he approached the doors. The footman was about to announce his arrival.
''Please do not. I wish to surprise the Queen'' Lord Melbourne spoke quietly to the younger man who smiled and opened the door for the Priminister.
Victoria was facing the window once more, she heard the doors open. It was the right time, he was almost always on time, she kept her face towards the window, biting her lip and she fought back a childish smile. She closed her eyes as her ears homed on his footsteps, drawing closer to the window in which she stood.
''Your Majesty'' Lord Melbourne spoke softly, quietly, with a warm and almost entrancing tone. Victoria spun around at his voice, unable to hold back her smile.
''Lord M'' Her face beamed with happiness. ''I have missed you terribly, I do not think you appreciate such company until it is gone'' Her tone was full of love and kindness towards him. The young Monarch stepped closer to him, closer than what she usually did, before allowing him to bend down and kiss her hand.
''I feel the same ma'am, I have a rather diverse group of friends, but not one of them can compare to the conversations we share''
His gentlemen like manner was a silent relief for the young Queen. Albert had been so rude and cold to her in the last few days, and her family less than understanding, it was then that it occurred to her just how much she had missed him.
Victoria tilted her head slightly, eyeing his expression carefully, not a word was spoken for a minute, maybe even two. ''I never find I can tell what your thinking Lord Melbourne, you have an incredible talent of hiding your inner thoughts''
''One must when in politics ma'am, what a world it would be if your own opinion was accepted by everyone'' He lifted his eye brows a little and smiled, his hands clasped behind his back. It was not an uncomfortable silence, but he knew she was preparing to say something. ''Is there something bothering you ma'am?''
Victoria's face changed. ''How did you know?'' A slight smile appearing on her lips ''You see, you really need to teach me the art of not showing my thought process, if you can read it then everyone at my public appearances will to''
''I don't think so ma'am, I know you rather well, we spend a lot of time together, that's all''
''There are many things you could teach me Lord M, but im not sure if you ever will''
He didn't know how to answer that one. ''Anyway'' Her voice chipped up again ''Come and sit down, I do have something to tell you'' Victoria walked past the Priminister, she was unaware how close she was to the man until she had to step to the side of him to move around him. Victoria sat down on the divan placed beside the roaring fire. ''Sit'' She patted the space next to her.
''Now'' Victoria spoke with a little more caution ''You have to promise you will not be cross'' Her statement confused him. He could tell she was weary of what she was about to say, this concerned him.
''I could never be cross with you ma'am, whatever it is I am sure it cannot be that bad''
''Try telling that to my family, my ladies, and pretty much my entire household staff for that matter'' Her mood had changed, the happy younger woman was gone, and before him sat The Queen, burdened with something she clearly wanted to off load.
He could not say any more, he sat patiently and quietly as she tried to correctly line up the words in her head. ''You obviously know about Prince Albert'' Victoria started.
Lord Melbourne's stomach dropped ''Yes''
''I remember you telling me that you thought I would be better off with a husband, as companionship would not suit me, well truthfully it is all I have thought about since. I do not want to disappoint my family, or my public. But most of all I cannot disappoint myself'' She searched his face for any sign of expression. The light of the fire was shining on his figure, his age showing slightly.
''Marriage isn't about convivence ma'am, it is about spending your life with someone who you love, to cherish that person and enjoy their company. There is no responsibility for most people there. However for you it is slightly different because your family and public expect you to produce an-''
''An heir'' She finished his sentence ''I know, that's all I keep hearing'' Victoria paused. ''Prince Albert had many great qualities, and I felt he would have been a fine suitor for my hand''
This time Victoria saw a hint of pain on his face. And that in turn hurt her. ''But he had many faults, he was rude, controlling, selfish, single minded, wooden and un sociable. Yes, he had a good education and some of his beliefs I agreed with but that wasn't a good enough basis for a marriage for me. So, I sent him away, he did not take it well''
Lord Melbourne could not ignore the wash of relief going through his body, but he could not show Victoria that, for she had proposed to him before and he had turned her down, it would not be fair. But to know that she refused him of her own accord meant that he had no part in this decision, for he was not around. She didn't love him. ''You did not desire the prince'' He replied quietly
''No, not at all. My desires are still somewhat elsewhere'' Victoria fiddled with her hands rested on her lap, her eyes would not reach his.
''I see'' Lord Melbourne replied calmly ''Why did you think I would be cross?''
Victoria looked at him, a tinge of relief rushed through her when he had not pushed her deeper into her chosen topic of conversation. ''Everybody else is''
''I am not everybody else''
''I did not love him'' Victoria looked into his eyes, he could not tear his gaze away from hers. The noises stilled around him for a second as he found himself locked in her eye contact. She was close to him, if he leant in just a little further, they would touch each other. It took every ounce of his strength not to.
''You have done the right thing. There is no point in marriage if it is not for love'' He tore his gaze away from her. ''I would never be cross at you for putting your own personal feelings first. It is what any woman would do, why should you be any different''
She smiled as he stared into the fire. He treated her as a woman as well as a Queen. The balance at times was a fine one. But as with many other things he handled it well.
''Did you enjoy having a few days away from the palace'' Victoria asked tentatively
''I would much rather be at the palace than at the house'' He turned his gaze back to her and smirked a little.
''I am glad to hear that. I worry that I can be a little forceful sometimes''
''You have good reason to be. You are the Queen. It is one of the many things I admire about you'' He tilted his head before his eyes found the boxes stacked on the table. ''We should probably get those done''
Victoria followed his train of sight ''Yes'' She stood, and Lord Melbourne followed her ''It has been most tedious without you, some of the paperwork still confuses me''
''You never stop learning ma'am'' He held the chair out for her as she sat before seating himself around the other side of the table.
The boxes turned out to not be as tedious as Victoria had expected. The couple spent the next couple of hours sifting through the paperwork and signing, the talks they shared together brought an air of happiness to the pair. Victoria had not forgotten how happy he made her.
A laugh escaped her catching the Priminister's attention. ''Something amusing you ma'am?''
Victoria looked at him ''I have missed your company'' She admitted steadily
''I have missed yours to. I see you have kept the household busy since I have been gone''
Her eyes sparkled ''Yes!'' She stood quickly causing Lord Melbourne to stand ''Do you like it?''
''It is most enchanting ma'am, your guests will find it as beautiful as I did''
''Well I hope so, but I do hope you will join me over the coming days. I wish for you to be at all my public appearances and at the palace of course'' Victoria stopped herself ''That is if you want of course, it isn't a demand''
He smiled warmly at her and suddenly felt touched that this remarkable young woman, with so many people to think about had given him the time of day. She wanted his company this Christmas, and after all he had nobody else to spend the time with. Not that you would He reminded himself quickly. ''I would be honoured ma'am''
''Im so pleased Lord M, I want this Christmas to be just perfect... just... Magical'' She walked over to the window once more, the recent snow storm had eased. The air was still, and the clouds had drifted away. ''Should we go for a ride?''
''Now?'' He replied slightly surprised before walking towards the window where she stood. ''The snow is heavy, its bitterly cold out there''
Victoria felt the warmth of his body from behind her as he looked over her shoulder down at the white grounds. ''I was out there this morning. My ladies were less than impressed. But I did say I wanted to ride out with you later, it has been rather dull riding alone''
''Have you not had any company to ride out with?'' Lord Melbourne asked with concern.
Victoria turned around, she found herself almost pinned to the window as she looked up at him. The priminister quickly remembered his place and stepped aside, but revelled in the way the Queen did not walk away from him.
''Nobody is interesting enough'' Victoria remarked before walking towards the doors and calling for one of the servants. ''I wish to ride out. Could you ask my dressers to come and change me'' Victoria said clearly to the slightly surprised servant who bowed and went off to give the orders.
He found it hard to look anywhere else as the attractive young woman walked down the corridor to greet him. She was wearing a deep red riding outfit with a white trim around her neck and sleeves. Her hat held a small veil behind her hair. She pulled on her black riding gloves as she approached him.
Victoria smiled warmly at the priminister who placed his hat on and began to put on his riding gloves.
Victoria left the ladies in the corridor as she joined Lord Melbourne's side and they walked towards the doors where outside their horses stood waiting.
''This is a beautiful time of year'' Victoria broke through the sound of the horses crushing through the snow with their feet. ''Everything shimmers and sparkles in the light'' She turned to see the Priminister watching her intently, a smile crossed her face as she observed his sated expression. ''What is it?''
He turned his attention back to his horse, realising he was staring ''You observe and appreciate such fine detail ma'am, many of us go by without looking at such things. But you seem to notice things so clearly, it is a gift that many of us do not have''
''I have learnt much of that from you Lord M'' Victoria replied matter of factly ''I was so shut away at Kensington, and since I have spent much of my time outside in your company I feel expressing the detail comes down to you. We both hold a love for nature''
He hummed in agreement, although he knew he couldn't take all the credit. ''What are your public appearances for Christmas?''
''I have to make a public appearance at the clock tower, marking its first year in London. I have planned to visit a hospital which holds some of our soldiers from war, the opera of course, and welcoming a new ship. Plus, I will have a speech announced on Christmas eve''
He was surprised at her list ''You are very busy then'' Her eyes found his.
''It is not so bad, I like going around London. Nothing is to much trouble at Christmas'' Victoria reminded him. ''I hope to see you every day over the Christmas period. You are one of my closest and dearest friends. I would like you with me. Especially at the public appearances'' She added quickly.
''I am not sure if the house will be able to cope if I am away for that long'' He reminded her.
''We will have to work around that then. Please Lord M. I have missed our company. I do not wish to spend Christmas solely alone''
''Your invitation is very kind ma'am, I would be honoured to spend Christmas with you''
''Good'' Victoria replied warmly, although she could feel her stomach flutter with excitement.
You never know, it is Christmas after all. Will update over the next couple of weeks. Please leave a comment if you get a moment.