Memories
The carriage pulled up outside the large house where Victoria and her guests where staying. The King had garunted a pleasant stay in his palace, and for the two days Victoria had stayed there it was exactly that. France was her new favourite country.
She hopped out. Now that the meetings of the French Parliament and the Royals had been done they could enjoy the country, and what it had to offer.
As she walked up the steps, there, waiting for her was Lord Melbourne. His smile held such promise as he stood patiently with his hands behind his back.
Victoria felt since sleeping beside him the other night he had softened around her, despite other people being with her. Perhaps it was the joy of being forgiven. She could not quite tell, but either way it made her very happy.
''I trust your trip was a pleasant one ma'am'' He said, bowing and kissing her hand.
Victoria smiled ''Indeed Lord M'' As she walked beside him into the house.
V&M
France was a beautiful country, and as the days slipped by more and more of it was seen by Victoria. Every sight was new, exciting and full of history she did not know. The entire group seemed to approve of Lord Melbourne's plans, everybody admired the country for the beauty that it was.
''Where tomorrow Lord Melbourne?'' Emma asked over the table at dinner.
Everybody looked over to The Priminister who looked as relaxed as what he did with Victoria when they where alone. ''It is a surprise, you shall have to wait and see'' He smiled, knowing he had left the best till last.
''We have the dance tomorrow evening, with the French King and his guests'' Victoria said quickly. ''It will be interesting to see if they have the same traditions as what we have''
People hummed in agreement as they continued to enjoy their food.
''Excuse me Majesty'' A Servant from the doorway approached Victoria, holding a letter on a silver platter for her.
Victoria placed down her knife and fork, smiling she opened it, reading it over carefully.
''She didn't loose her smile but merely said quietly ''It would seem Uncle Cumberland wishes to talk to me when I return, he is in England'' She said slightly concerned.
''Seems rather strange that he would write to you just to tell you that ma'am'' Lord Melbourne said cautiously.
''Yes'' Victoria replied. ''Very strange. Mama, do you know anything about this'' Victoria looked over to her mother.
The Duchess shook her head in response ''I am sorry, I have no clue what he could want''
Lord Melbourne had to assume the worst. He never liked Cumberland, his actions where deceitful and he constantly put Victoria down. Victoria didn't like him either, she called him a bully, somebody who looked down on people rather than equally.
As the evening progressed on people began to retire. Leaving Victoria, her ladies and Lord Melbourne left.
''I am planning on retiring when Lord Melbourne retires. You may retire'' Victoria said to her ladies as she took hold of her glass. The wine sitting in the bottom was yet to be finished.
Emma looked over to Lord Melbourne, who smiled at her concerned expression. But as Victoria instructed they left the room.
The two sat in silence for a few moments, listening to the crackling fire and voices in the corridor grow fainter, until everything was silent.
She looked over to him, to find him looking at her. The light shining off his face as the fire blazed in front of them making him look different. Younger maybe.
Victoria couldn't help but feel sometimes things would be much easier if he were younger.
''You think my Uncle Cumberland was the person who Leopold invited to the palace'' Victoria said quietly.
It was not a question but a statement. ''I am afraid so ma'am'' He replied ''Although I am not sure what use he would be''
''My Uncle is from Hannover he and my Uncle Leopold shared many conversations and similar interests. He and Sir John where awfully controlling''
''Yes, I remember ma'am. It doesn't explain the letter''
''I cannot answer that'' Victoria said sadly ''All I know is that My Uncle can be very nasty in the wrong mind'' Victoria replied worriedly
''Well, he shall not do such a thing when I am around'' Lord Melbourne replied firmly ''You are older now, you have no reason to submit to his actions''
Victoria smiled. ''You are not worried people will suspect something between us?'' She asked quietly.
He moved to sit closer to her, changing his seat as he grasped her hand gently and held it between the two chairs. ''I hope that people shall know about our marriage soon ma'am'' He said quietly ''I do not want to hide in the shadows when we return to England''
Victoria smiled at his words ''I agree, but something has changed your mind rather quickly'' She stated.
''You do not realise what you have to hold on to until it has gone'' Lord Melbourne replied slowly, searching her eyes.
''But I am still here'' She said firmly, squeezing his hand. ''I never left''
''But I felt you did. I felt you could never forgive me, you would never love me in such a devoting way again'' He said sadly ''And then, I realised what I had lost, was the only reason I was living for''
''Don't say that Lord M'' Victoria said quickly, swallowing the lump in her throat.
''Love is just a word. Until you find someone to give it a definition'' He said quietly, looking down at her hand, clasped in his own.
Victoria felt a tear slip down her cheek. ''France has changed you'' She said with a small laugh, using her free hand to finish the wine in her glass. ''Are you ready to retire?'' She said, standing from her chair.
He nodded and stood also. Following her out of the room.
They had found that it was difficult to sleep apart from each other since that night in The Kings palace. The beds seemed bigger, colder, and lonelier than what they where before. Neither wanted to be apart, and as the marriage proposal began to sink in, the risks seemed to be less important.
The environment was relaxed. Victoria was safe in the house, nobody felt the need to check on her or follow her around as much, giving her a little more freedom, just like she had when they took a trip to Windsor or Brocket Hall.
Victoria opened the door to his bedroom, the well-lit room housed just him as she saw him glancing over a newspaper sitting on his desk. Victoria slipped off the robe she was wearing, revealing a thin deep blue silk chemise underneath, the fabric was soft against her skin as she climbed in the bed, watching him do the same.
He ran his hands down the silk as she cuddled up to him, sighing his approval as the thin fabric allowed him to feel her body beneath it.
''Do you think people will be accepting of our marriage?'' Victoria asked as her head was pressed against his chest.
''I think they will take some convincing ma'am'' He said quietly.
Victoria hummed as she closed her eyes.
V&M
The next morning when she awoke, the bed was empty. Sliding her hand across empty space to try to reach him she realised she was alone. Blinking as she came around, Victoria sat up and looked across the room, only to find him sitting at his desk, intently reading a page in the paper whilst sipping at his coffee. She sat up, leaning against the headboard as she watched him carefully.
She felt a sense of giddiness as she observed the mundane yet exceedingly special sight before her. Not one person could ruin this moment for them.
He looked up, seeing her sitting up in bed he smiled ''Good morning'' He said his eyes falling on the silk chemise she was wearing. ''Sleep well''
Victoria smiled and nodded as she watched him walk over to the bed, sitting on it and moving to sit beside her, he was still undressed, his robe covering his body from view.
He looked down her slender frame, tracing a finger along the silk chemise.
Victoria tried not to think to much about the action as the butterflies began to flutter in her stomach.
''This was very comfortable last night'' He said as he continued to trace the fabric. ''But also very alluring''
His voice was deeper, as he looked up at her, she was biting down on her bottom lip, her breathing was swallow and her skin tingling to his touch.
He reached up, pulling her bottom lip from her teeth and running his thumb along it, causing her mouth to open slightly, she closed her eyes for a second, enjoying his touch.
''As much as I would like to continue this, we have a lot planned for today'' He said slowly, seeing her eyes open to find his. He saw the annoyance on her face.
''That was intentional'' She said quickly, trying hard not to smile at his little joke. She did not mind the teasing, although it irritated her that he found it so easy to get such reactions out of her.
He laughed. Lifting his head up to place a delicate kiss on her lips. ''Im sorry'' He said in defence
''But I am telling the truth, this is very alluring'' He placed his hand on the delicate fabric again.
Victoria kissed him before he had a chance to continue, moving from beneath the covers she pushed against him and straddled his lap, the chemise rising up to accommodate her change of stance, his hands immediately fell to her waist, pushing her body up closer to his own, feeling the warmth of her skin through his robe.
She was not shy, not in the slightest, and he loved that about her. Her kiss was hungry and passionate, nipping on his bottom lip and drawing his lips to her own in an urgent kind of way, her hands moved down to the ties around his robe, quickly undoing them and pulling it free, allowing her hands to slip up his chest.
He began to reciprocate, his hands slipped up her bare thighs, going beneath the chemise to her silk like skin beneath, gripping her hips and pulling them down towards his groin.
Then without warning Victoria stopped, moved from his lap and then stood from the bed. Her chemise slipped down to its correct position and she walked across the room in a bid to find her own robe.
She turned to look at him, a face of pure surprise and a playful look crossed his face as he realised he had just been made the joke.
V&M
''So, your saying that when we return to England im going to be inundated with royal duties'' Victoria said as she almost to aggressively stamped a document and put it to one side.
''Unfortunately ma'am, yes'' Lord Melbourne spoke calmly without looking up
''On top of the announcement'' Victoria added.
''What announcement! Do pray tell'' The French accent caused both Victoria and Melbourne to look up quickly. Victoria almost pinched herself for being so foolish as she glanced at her near terrified Prime Minister.
She stood for her host and smiled ''All will be revealed in due course'' She said calmly, but her face suggested the secret was surprising.
The King smiled ''A good one I hope''
''Very good'' Victoria smiled clasping her hands together at her waist ''What can we do for you?''
''I just came to make sure everything was ok for the dance tonight, I have many guests looking forward to meeting you'' The King looked over to Lord Melbourne as he spoke as well as Victoria.
''We are all looking forward to it'' Victoria said with a warm, friendly voice.
''Good, I am very glad'' The King said ''Well I shall not interrupt you during your work. I know how tiring these boxes can be'' He winked at Victoria and smiled to Lord Melbourne as he walked out of the room.
Victoria shared the same worried expression to her companion before smiling and laughing. ''Crisis averted'' She said in defence.
The Priminister hummed his disapproval, silently begging his heart to stop pounding. Perhaps he should remind her? Gossip would spread, despite being in another country they could be faced with an uproar upon returning should anybody find out about an English marriage, a morganatic marriage for that matter, being announced in France.
V&M
''So where are we going?!'' Victoria said from the carriage
''Wait and see'' He replied calmly to her constant nagging and pushing, it was clear Victoria was not a fan of surprises.
''I cannot stand not knowing things'' She argued ''I am used to having control''
''Have any of the trips I have organised been unfulfilling?''
''Well… no''
''Right then, so just enjoy the surprise'' He said smiling at her.
The sunshine was warm on the two of them as the carriage was open topped, pulled by two dark bay horses. The echoing sound of their shoes hitting the cobbled roads to the quiet streets of France was a far cry from the busy streets of London. The air seemed clearer and such trips where far more pleasant. But, Victoria found she was missing the busy noise of the city.
They seemed to be travelling into the middle of France this time, the streets got busier and people began to appear in bigger numbers. Victoria started to see the well spoke about Eiffel Tower, she had seen drawings, but never the real thing, and had quickly forgotten about it with all the things she had to deal with on a daily basis.
''I read about this!'' She said quickly, turning to face him.
He loved seeing the excitement spread across her face, how such little things sent such joy to her, and that in return made him happy.
''Yes ma'am, it is relatively new, but has been considered a structure to behold by all''
Victoria kept her eyes fixed on the tower as it became clearer and clearer into view.
It was clear The King had again shut off the tower from the public for today, as the place was virtually deserted, walking past the guards Victoria tilted her head back, looking up at the length of the tower.
''It is such a shame you cannot go up into the tower, I am sure the view would be incredible'' She turned to face him.
''Perhaps ma'am, but even if we could I would not, I am rather afraid of heights you see''
Victoria turned to face him. ''Are you?''
He nodded as he walked behind her, watching her intently as she explored the tower, the base right to the very top, or as far as her eye could see.
''If we had more time I would sketch this'' She said quickly ''Perhaps when we come next time'' She said with a smile.
''There will be a next time ma'am?'' He asked
''Oh yes'' She replied.
V&M
''So, what do you think?'' Victoria turned to the dresser who stood looking at her and smiling.
''Stunning ma'am, you will have many admirers tonight'' Mrs Skerrett replied politely
''I only need one though'' Victoria replied quietly, turning to her knowing dresser.
''Of course ma'am, and he will be a very lucky'' The dresser replied before bowing and leaving the room.
Victoria made her way to her ladies, all dressed up and waiting patiently for The Queen.
V&M
As the carriages pulled up outside the crowded palace Victoria stepped out onto a carpet which ran up the steps and into the palace itself. The noise of voices, music and laughter echoed around her as she walked up the steps, already turning heads with her chosen attire for the evening.
As she walked in through the doors the long corridor was decorated with large bouquets of flowers along either side so many feet apart, ribbons and bows filled in the gaps as she made her way along the corridor, her ladies following behind. People bowed and admired her as she walked past, politely smiling, nodding and waving to the guests who greeted her.
Finally down at the end of the long corridor, was the ball room. It was easily double the size of the one at Buckingham palace, far more modern and grand. Victoria looked across the large room already half filled with people as they chatted in groups. But she only really looked for one person, and when her eyes met his, she couldn't help but smile at his reaction.
And when we go to France. Bring that dress His words. Deep and laced with desire from that terribly exciting evening at Her Uncle Leopold's goodbye dance. Rung in her ears. It was the first thing she had instructed the next morning, from the dress right down to the jewellery she wore with it. Everything was the same. Even the tiara.
He didn't look anywhere else, he simply couldn't, and in a room of almost complete strangers he had no opinions, no rumours, no gossip to endure. He was allowed to admire her. He reached her, looking her up and down as he kissed her hand, his eyes never leaving hers.
''What a vision you look ma'am'' Lord Melbourne finally replied. ''I hope you are to save me a dance this evening''
''Perhaps'' Victoria said, as she smiled politely.
''Victoria'' That French accent came up from beside him ''And Lord Melbourne! how smart you both look tonight, I hope everything is to your liking?''
Victoria placed both of her hands within The Kings ''Everything has been to our liking all week. Our stay has been simply wonderful, Hasn't it Lord M''
The Priminister nodded in agreement.
The King smiled at them both before eyeing something on Victoria's wrist. ''May I ask, what is this?'' He gestured to the labels on her gloves.
''They are dance cards'' Victoria said, slightly confused ''Do you not use them here?''
The King laughed ''No, goodness no. We dance with whoever and whenever we want'' He said quickly.
''What happens if you dance with the same person twice?'' Victoria asked, clearly confused by the new rules.
''Nothing!'' The King answered, you are to enjoy your time at a dance, and enjoy who you dance with!'' He pointed out.
Victoria smiled as she watched the King walk off. She pulled the labels off of her wrist handing them to Lord Melbourne who placed them carefully within his coat pocket.
The environment was rather enjoyable, one of the nicest dances Victoria had been to in a long while. Compared to the ones in England these where so much nicer, the informal structure of the dance seemed to put everybody at ease. Lord Melbourne included.
''You are making the most of this aren't you?'' Emma asked Lord Melbourne
''Indeed I am Emma'' He said quickly, looking back over to Victoria
''Vickie seems much happier, you must have done something to lift her spirits'' Emma pressed.
He turned to his friend and smiled. ''Do not worry Emma, all will be revealed in due course''
Emma smiled as she watched him walk away. ''That's what im worried about'' Emma replied quietly.
Victoria danced with many young princes, many older men, members of the French Parliament, cousins and The King himself. She had done nothing but smile and laugh the entire evening, with the odd glass of wine thrown in for good measure. But she felt happy. Genuinely happy.
''May I have the honour'' He asked as Victoria turned to face him. Her smile changed, it was a warm, inviting kind of smile, and it struck him on a personal level.
Victoria grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her, something that, In England would be sorely frowned upon and quickly stopped, but in this country, it was overlooked completely.
Victoria sighed ''What a wonderful place'' She smiled as she danced across the room with him. ''With such freedom comes great happiness I feel''
''Indeed ma'am, your vibrance is being admired from all across the room. No face paint required''
Victoria realised then that many of the women where admiring her, and she looked nothing like them. Their culture fascinated her, in ways she would never be able to describe to the people in London. But this was like an escape. One which she aimed to return to.
Victoria glanced at her mother, who was dancing with an older man. The smile on The Duchess's face was a picture to Victoria, who had not seen her mother look so relaxed in years.
''I think everybody has enjoyed France, but I am awfully glad you came with us''
''The pleasure has been all mine ma'am'' He replied quietly.
''Do you like the dress'' She said as they began spinning together.
He pressed his hand into her back, encouraging her to step a little closer into his frame, offering Victoria her answer immediately ''Of course, although I feel some flowers would have enhanced it slightly'' He smiled.
''I dare not use French flowers, a certain Priminister could have taken offence to it''
''Offence to you ma'am, never'' He replied quickly.
As the dance finished Victoria stepped away, watching him bow respectfully as he slowly released her hand.
She stood aside from the dancing for a while, she was sure she had danced more than enough as she watched the couples enjoy a slower dance. She noticed many couples danced closer than others, almost pressed against each other as some dances slowed right down. Perhaps they where married, Victoria thought to herself.
As she stood, sipping her wine he came and stood beside her.
''So tell me'' Victoria spoke quietly so others didn't hear her ''Which do you prefer, my silk nightgown, or this dress''
She looked up at him, to see a wicked smile across his lips.
''As much as I enjoyed the blue silk I know I may not see this dress for a while'' He smirked from beside her.
''I wouldn't be so sure about that'' Victoria answered playfully with a knowing look in her eyes ''It gauges very appealing reactions'' She smiled at his expression before taking a sip from her glass.
''Oh, you can count on it'' He spoke quietly in her ear, hearing her suck in a breath as she swallowed another sip of wine.
His voice alone had the power to turn her legs into jelly, not to mention her insides.
''Victoria, you simply must stay the night here, I have already sorted your bedrooms'' He winked at the two
Victoria nodded ''Thank you, that is very kind of you, however we are not far from the house''
''Nonsense'' The King said ''Do not worry, I have put you two in close bedrooms'' He winked.
Victoria lost her smile completely ''I do not know what it is you are referring to''
The King laughed ''Do not worry, you are in France, not England. Enjoy your evening. My servants will have your carriages dismissed for the night'' He smiled at the two before walking over to Victoria's ladies.
''What is he referring to?'' Victoria said, panicked
He didn't answer, but looked equally worried.
V&M
Victoria watched The King see off the last of his guests, the only remaining guests where the ones that came with Victoria who where all sitting in the ball room, enjoying the last of the wine on offer.
She had to know what he meant. Despite being told to leave it be by Lord Melbourne, she couldn't stand not knowing.
The King turned to walk back towards Victoria, seeing the Monarch standing there he smiled and opened his arms briefly.
''Your Majesty, what can I do for you?''
Victoria smiled ''I was hoping to ask you in regards to your statement you made earlier'' She said awkwardly. ''About myself and Lord Melbourne''
The King smiled ''Oh I see, do not worry. My staff are sworn to secrecy'' He winked.
''I do not know what you are insinuating but I can assure you-''
''You cannot fool me'' He replied, placing a hand on her back as he walked her back up the corridor ''You see France is a country of love and romance''
''But I am The Queen'' Victoria argued
''You are also a human being'' The King said quickly ''You care a great deal for him, anybody can see that. Many of my guests mentioned this to me tonight''
Victoria closed her eyes, realising they may have been too relaxed in the environment.
''Just one piece of advice'' The King said. Victoria remained quiet. ''Do not combine the two together''
''That is easier said than done in England'' Victoria said with a sigh.
''Just consider what you are getting yourself into'' He said quietly ''If you truly believe it is for the best then you are doing the right thing. But if you have any reservations, do not do something you may later regret''
''Spoken from one royal to another'' Victoria said with a small smile
''Like I said, France is a country of love and romance, whatever happens in France stays in France''
Victoria smiled, not feeling much comfort from such discretion as she joined the others.
''Right everybody. Let's get you into your rooms for the night''
As The King said his good wishes to everybody and departed for bed himself Victoria was left talking to Lord Melbourne outside in the corridor. Her ladies had retired. And, when the corridor was empty the pair walked into Lord Melbourne's room for the night.
The large room was directly next door to Victoria's just as The King had said.
''How did we become so obvious to people?'' Victoria asked as he clicked the door shut, placing his hands within his pockets as he watched her gently take the tiara from her hair.
He sighed, walking towards her ''Neither of us really tried to deny it though'' He said in defence
''If we are announcing our marriage upon our return to England what is the point in it, I spoke with him, he did not seem overly bothered by the whole thing''
Melbourne hummed his agreement, they where so close to becoming public it seemed senseless to worry about it now.
Victoria turned to face him. ''So'' She said, slowly walking over to him. ''You are going to undress me this time, aren't you? As nice as this dress is, it is not comfortable to sleep in'' She grabbed the edges of his jacket and used it to pull his head down to meet her own.
''I do not think I could walk away a second time'' He replied quietly, smiling as he kissed her.
Victoria wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying the slow kiss, savouring the moment as they had no reason to rush, no desperation, just love, as they enjoyed each other's company.
He smiled against her lips as she pushed her body flush against his own, pulling on his cravat as it unravelled in her hands. His hands moved down her side, clutching her waist as he began to push her up against the wall of the room.
A knock at the door made both of them jump, especially because they stood right beside it. Victoria moved to stand beside the door concealing herself from view as it was opened.
Lord Melbourne opened the door to see Lord Alfred standing there once again.
''I am sorry to disturb you sir, but you have a letter''
He looked down at the envelope, his name scribbled on it. ''Is it from the palace?'' He asked a little gruffly
''No sir'' Lord Alfred replied.
Perhaps it was the wine doing the talking, or the fact a young and extremely attractive woman stood just behind the door awaiting his attention. But something told him to for once, but his pleasures first. ''It is not of importance Lord Alfred, I shall open it tomorrow''
The footman nodded and turned to leave. Lord Melbourne clicked the door shut behind him, locking it for good measure.
''Now'' He walked over to Victoria, grabbing her and lifting her off the ground causing her the shriek in surprise as he walked over to the bed. ''Where were we'' He said as he laid her on the bed.
Lord Alfred couldn't help but listen to the giggles that slipped from the room he just stood at. Before smiling to himself and walking back down the corridor.
Im no historian, I know that the Eiffel Tower was built when Victoria was alive, so im half right in that sense. But anything else you can blame on google as I purely use my imagination and half back it with evidence. This is Fiction after all so no negativity on that front please guys. I had to include some positivity. Im a sucker for that. Hope you enjoyed. Leave any thoughts below please!