Lord M was Victoria's first Prime Minister, ten years her senior. They adored one another but she married Prince Albert. A year has passed since Albert's death and a decade since she has seen Lord M. But he is her Prime Minister once more.

"I think Queen Elizabeth must have been sad," she whispered, eyes moving to meet his, "to have to be content with only Leicester's companionship, and never his love." He closed his eyes and willed himself to find strength somewhere within himself to deny her again. "It was not enough," he agreed, "but it was better than nothing."