Visitors

I am so thankful to everyone who has supported this story so far. I had reservations about posting it, given how many years ago this couple was created. I hope everyone continues to enjoy it.

Lord Melbourne was pleasantly surprised when he awoke without being prompted this morning. No letters from the palace, or word from some unhappy house member. He settled in front of his window for some coffee, and thought about the next few weeks ahead of him. He knew what votes were upcoming, and how quiet it would be after. With a pen in his hand, he made a note to his butler that he would attend Brocket Hall for a few days. The thought of the peace of his flowers and gardens immediately lifted his spirits. London was bad for his lungs, as Emma would say.

He had left last night quite sure that trouble would ensue after Albert had walked past himself and Emma talking about such private matters. Perhaps the Prince had more sense than Melbourne had given him credit for.

He also had his brother visiting from Hampshire for a week, he reminded himself. He thought back to the last time George had come to stay. He had sat down and explained to Victoria of his planned absence, and she had written to him daily during this time. His brother, a very light hearted man, made it his business to mock and tease Melbourne for his devotion to the Sovereign.

It was a welcomed distraction. He would not have to forewarn her like before and the separation would surely do them good.

Lord Melbourne sipped at his coffee and thought about their encounter last night. She had been so close, and the way she kissed his hand… His skin tingled at the very thought. The event left him very hot under the collar for a while afterwards.
She had chatted to him in detail whilst painting. He had learnt a lot about her marriage to Albert as her rambles became more and more open. He noted she was likely unaware of what she was saying, as she focused quite intently on her drawing.

Victoria had spoken about her marriage with Albert and it's troubles, also about her regrets with their friendship and how cool it had become after she had married, then it drifted onto the more pressing fear, for her, about Albert plotting to take her crown.

He considered this for a moment. The Prince had come with every intention of marrying The Queen. But even for Melbourne, the proposal had come quite quickly. Within less than a fortnight, Victoria had asked for Albert's hand. Perhaps Leopold had pressured her, but Albert must have had a certain amount of charm to encourage Victoria to ask for his hand. Now, she was repulsed by him. Her face would alter if his name was mentioned, and her tone was as if she had a bad taste within her mouth when she spoke of him.

Lord Melbourne took the last sip of his coffee and looked at the conditions outside. Autumn was making way for winter as the tree's began to shed their leaves beneath the warmth of the sunshine. He would enjoy a ride out today.

''I would like to start seeing you more often.'' Victoria sat upright in her chair beside the fireplace, her navy-blue riding gown with the red trim did wonders for her features, Melbourne noticed.

''I am not sure that is wise ma'am. With the speculation since your ball, it would not look good for you to spend so much time with me.''

''I miss our friendship Lord M.'' Victoria replied plainly. ''Even now, it is not the same as it was. Emma says I should surround myself with friends and those I find helpful to ease my troubles. Unless of course, you do not like me anymore?''

He gritted his teeth. Emma was nothing but persistent. He looked at Victoria. Her face etched with nerves as her fingers toyed with the fabric of her gown. She was waiting for him to respond. He couldn't refuse the sovereign, but even if she had not been the Queen, he was sure he didn't have the willpower to refuse her. He sighed, ''You know that I like you ma'am… Very much.'' He added. ''I just worry for your image, that's all.''

''I was never troubled by your reputation before Lord Melbourne.'' She responded firmly.

''No, but there was always speculation within the House ma'am.'' He argued politely.

''I would rather speculation than loneliness. Emma is right, I am not myself, and having you around has helped me of late. If I promise not to mention Albert, will you spend time with me?''

''You may talk about Albert as much as you wish ma'am. I have no problem with shouldering your burden. But…'' He paused as she looked down at her hands, her disappointment was clear, and the guilt he felt inside was eating him alive. ''Of course'' He breathed through his surrender. ''I should be most flattered to spend time with Her Majesty.'' Victoria looked up and smiled, but he could tell she was still sad. ''However, I am busy for the next 2 weeks, ma'am.''

''That is a long time, whatever is keeping you?''

''My brother is coming to visit from Hampshire ma'am.'' He paused. ''And I had planned to visit my glass houses at Brocket Hall for a few days after a couple of important bills that will go through The House in the near future.''

''I see.'' Victoria nodded. ''You must bring your brother to dine with us Lord M. I would love to meet him.''

Oh no. ''No ma'am, that would not be wise. My brother is a… carefree spirit, to put it politely.''

''Even better.'' Victoria chided as a light sparkled within her eyes. ''A new face in the palace would be a welcomed treat. I will not hear another word against it. Besides, you are leaving me for 2 weeks. I am not sure what I am going to do without you.''

Lord Melbourne bowed his head and accepted her wishes, trying to calm the churn within his stomach.

2 days followed with a steady chain of events. Melbourne had visited The Queen on both days and the two had spent their time inside and hiding from the unpredictable rain showers. He loved spending time with her, he thought to himself as he awaited his brother's carriage to arrive at Dover House. But she was not the same inexperienced and young Queen that she was before Albert. He could tell she was hurting from Albert and seeking more from him than he was prepared to give. The hand holding, linking arms, the way she would always stand a little too close to him. Perhaps it was her way of flirting, but her proximity often tested his will power. He lived with the regret of turning her away daily. Sometimes it haunted his dreams, but he could not turn back on his word. Not now.

''William!'' George's voiced boomed from inside the carriage, the door still shut as the younger man waited for it to be opened.

Melbourne waved and offered a small smile. Him and his brother could not be any different if they tried. But it was nice to see him.

''How the devil are you my good fellow?!'' George exclaimed, his pearly white teeth showing as he offered a huge smile beneath his mop of unruly hair. ''It's been too long, you look ancient.''

''George'' Melbourne responded with a warm smile and a firm hand shake. ''Where is Charlotte?''

''She will be up later tonight. Her mother is unwell, and she wanted to make sure she was well cared for before leaving.''

''Oh goodness. I am sorry to hear such news.'' He said as concern filled his voice.

''Don't be.'' George waved his hand aside, brushing the sadness away. ''The old hag is a pain and often dictates what we can and can't do. It is rather annoying. I am counting down the days'' George laughed loudly and slapped Lord Melbourne's upper arm before walking up towards the doors of Dover House.

Lord Melbourne rolled his eyes at his brother's insensitive attitude and followed him into the house, with his bags.

''It's a bit of a mess in here.'' George strolled into Melbourne's drawing room and looked around. ''I thought writers were supposed to be the chaotic ones?''

''Being Prime Minister can be taxing you know'' Melbourne slumped down in his chair and watched his brother pour himself a drink. He was always jealous of how at ease the man was in any environment. ''Has Charlotte settled well?''

''Yes, she will be fine after some rest. It's good for her to get away from home, gives her time to relax.'' George replied, referencing his now sleeping wife in their guest quarters of Lord Melbourne's home.

''So, what about this Queen then, I heard she is losing her marbles.''

''Poppycock. Nobody has any idea of what that woman faces.'' Lord Melbourne said sharply after swallowing his brandy and feeling it's warmth in his throat and chest.

''Aside from you, obviously'' George eyed his brother playfully from the rim of his brandy glass. ''Have you made your move on her yet?''

''She is married.'' Melbourne spat.

''Not for long.'' George looked towards one of the dark windows, the rain hammering at the window panes set a weird atmosphere within the room.

''What makes you say that?'' Melbourne sat forward; his eyes narrowed.

George, completely un-phased by the strange mood leant back and laughed at Melbourne's serious face. ''Oh, come on, you know as well as I do that the marriage happened way too fast. One minute she is meeting the man, then she marries him 'For love'.'' He shook his head. ''Nobody falls in love that fast. It was forced. I have heard some horrible things about that German man, Leopold. Nasty piece of work at times. She will smell a rat and abandon that ship.''

''I cannot say I agree.'' Lord Melbourne argued. ''A divorce would cause a great upheaval in court. The Queen knows when to remain as she is and when to leave.''

George only smirked as a response. Lord Melbourne refused to give anything away. George had ignored their parent's persistent advice to put George's brain to good use and become a physician as he became a very successful writer instead. Regularly overlooked and considered unimportant, he had seen many lives pulled apart whilst making money from it.

''Her Majesty has invited you and Charlotte to dine at the palace tomorrow evening.'' Melbourne spoke cautiously whilst toying with the rim of his brandy glass.

George's eyebrows raised considerably as he sat back and folded one leg over the other. ''Well, now that is an offer I can't refuse. Will I have to talk posh? You know I'm terrible at that.''

''Yes'' He warned ''You must remember your manners, too.''

''She must really like you William, if she wants to meet me.''

''Little does she know.'' Melbourne huffed.

The palace was beautifully decorated, Melbourne noticed as he walked into the main corridors. He eyed George who was also looking around at the vast space with his petite, but incredibly beautiful wife clinging to his arm. A sense of pride washed over him as he considered himself a regular visitor to the Palace. The rain outside was torrential and had nearly soaked him just running up the steps from the carriage. The warmth of the place was a great relief after such a cold journey.

''Do you come here often, William?'' Charlotte asked politely.

''I would say so'' Melbourne responded. ''Some days more than others, but it depends on what matters are at hand.''

''You are very lucky.'' She almost whispered as the couple continued to take in the design and raw beauty of the Palace.

They all stood and waited as Victoria and Albert entered the room. Her eyes met Lord Melbourne's immediately before everybody bowed or curtseyed to greet their Queen.

As Victoria and Albert seated themselves, the rest of court did too.

''I am so glad your guests accepted my invitation to dine with us Lord M.''

Melbourne looked down, trying to ignore his brother's immediate humor at the nickname. ''Yes ma'am. They were most delighted.''

''George Lamb'' George introduced himself ''And this is my lovely wife, Charlotte Lamb. We could not refuse such a generous invitation.''

''It is a pleasure to meet you both, Your Majesty.'' Charlotte smiled with such warmth in her eyes that almost everyone smiled back at her.

Dinner was full of pleasant conversations. Much to Lord Melbourne's surprise, George was very polite and mannerly. He had expected less from him. He eyed the Prince occasionally, who remained largely quiet and grumpy looking. Although he did partake in some conversation with his brother who sat beside him. Victoria had ignored him throughout every course, and he ignored her he noted with some irritation as he continued to eat even when she had finished.

''Please, George and Charlotte. You must stay after dinner with Lord M for a game of cards and sherry, it is almost routine now that we spend our evenings this way.''

George eyed his brother with a sparkle in his eye that implied The Prime Minister was not going to hear the end of this for a while. ''Of course, Your Majesty. We would be delighted.''

Melbourne had stood beside Harriett Sutherland's husband most of the evening, chatting about politics and upcoming votes. But his eyes and ears remained on Victoria, who was sat beside his brother. He had told her about his job, and all of the places that he had visited. Melbourne knew from their own conversations that she wanted to travel and see the world. Her eyes were sparkling and her smile was so incredibly wide at his words. He was jealous, terribly so, but it was achingly nice to see her happy.

''Everybody loves your brother'' Emma chimed as she walked up to Melbourne.

''It would seem so.''

Emma nudged him playfully ''At least The Queen is happy.''

George practically ran to his brother the moment Lord Melbourne was alone beside the alcohol. ''God's sake man! You have a pet name, you spend most evenings here. You haven't taken your eyes off of her all night, you're literally besotted with the girl.''

''Shut up!'' Melbourne hissed. ''Remember where you are and who you are talking about. I cannot refuse the Monarch if she wishes to spend time with me. I am her Prime Minister. She is a friend, that is all!''

''No, my dear William, friends do not look at each other the way you two do. And, you're THE Prime Minister.'' George pointed out. ''Also, what on earth is up with her and Albert? He looks as if he has been slapped with a dead fish. She hasn't spoken to him all night, talk about frosty.''

Melbourne feared this would happen. As a writer, George was an incredibly social person, and could make any room laugh and joke, but he would not miss a bit of information. ''I don't know.'' Melbourne confessed ''Things have been… troublesome between them for a while.''

''Interesting'' George mused. ''Get yourself in there man, she is clearly very lonely.''

''She is the Monarch!'' Melbourne snapped, becoming frustratingly angry now. ''We should leave anyway; the weather is terrible and it's getting late.''

Before George had time to protest, Lord Melbourne had set off to find someone to prepare their carriage for leaving. He knew his brother had done no wrong, any idiot could see that she was unhappy and alone. He was more annoyed that he had not spoken to her, or spent any time with her all evening, and that jealousy in itself frightened him. Lord Melbourne was beginning to question whether he had any control over his feelings any more.

''Tell me'' Victoria had wandered over to where George was stood, sipping his brandy in the quiet. ''How is it that you and Lord M are so different?''

''I ask myself that question everyday.'' George smiled. ''But he is a good fellow. Kind, and he wants to make people happy. That's more than I can say for myself.''

''You look very happy with dear Charlotte.'' Victoria prompted.

''I was unhappily married before meeting Charlotte. I left my wife for her. Everybody saw it as wrong, aside from us. It made us happy. People moved on and the world kept on turning. No trouble is permanent.''

''That attitude is not as… respected in the palace.'' Victoria walked closer towards George.

''Opinions mean nothing if they are not your own ma'am'' George replied wisely. ''My job makes me a lot of enemies, but regardless of how horrible the person is in my eyes, I have no reason to behave in such a manner. My opinion does not make that person horrible. Their actions do. Besides, if somebody dislikes you, and you're kind to them, it really gets on their nerves.'' He winked at Victoria who laughed joyfully in response.

''You are a free spirit, George.''

George nodded, sipping his brandy once again. ''My brother cares for you, you know.'' He nodded as the Monarch looked down and lost her smile slightly. ''He is too worried about others' opinions to be honest to himself. Now that IS sad. But whatever he had said, or will say in future, just know that it is him hiding behind words. You can see it in his eyes that he cares very deeply for you.''

''I would like to think so. ''Lord M helped me become the Queen I am today. He was always kind to me.''

''I really hope that it works out for you both. Any fool can see it, there is no point pretending, when you think about it. Besides, the grumpy old man needs someone to make him happy again.''

''He cares deeply for his deceased wife.'' Victoria spoke in a cool tone. ''He told me himself.''

''He had regrets. Like all men. But if he cared deeply for his deceased wife, then he would not be in love with you.'' George replied boldly and took a calm sip of his drink whilst Victoria looked at him in deep shock.

''Has he said—''

''The butler has said that the weather is too bad to travel tonight.'' Lord Melbourne unknowingly interrupted her. ''There is a tree down near the stables and the carriages are blocked in.''

''Then you will stay here. I shall have the guests' rooms prepared for you immediately.'' Victoria said cheerfully as she walked off with her ladies in tow.

''That Prince has been staring at you all evening'' George murmured. ''If looks could kill, you would have been dead at dinner young man.''

''He should behave better himself.'' Melbourne spat. His irritation was rising.

''Here'' Victoria walked into the very large and beautifully decorated room. Lord Melbourne smiled and thanked her for the 5th time.

''Don't be daft, I have always wanted you to stay here.'' She replied honestly. ''I hope it is to your liking?''

''You like my brother.'' Lord Melbourne said, ignoring her question as he moved towards the damp windows, passing a mirror as he did.

''He is very charming. But he is nothing compared to you, Lord M. Do not worry yourself.''

He smiled before turning back towards her. ''You flatter me ma'am.''

''I must bid a goodnight to Albert before he goes to his wing. I do not intend to rush across the palace at this hour.''

''Does the Prince not sleep next door?'' Lord Melbourne asked, confused.

''No.'' Victoria said sternly. ''Prince Albert has the East Wing of the Palace. I do not intend to be any closer to him than required.''

''I am closer to your wing than he is.'' Melbourne observed. ''It should not be so.''

''It shall be as I want it to be. This is my house, not Albert's. Your comfort here matters more.'' Victoria nodded to herself.

Victoria continued watching him for a moment, before stepping closer. The room was warm and cozy with the fire blazing within it's place. Victoria took his hands and felt him slow his movements right down as he averted his eyes from hers. His heart began to speed up and the heat in his skin was rising. ''Thank-you, ma'am'' he said quietly.
Victoria reached up and touched the side of his face with her right hand. He caught her eye then and moved his fingers gently within her palm, that was still enclosed around her left hand.
Victoria kissed Lord Melbourne on his cheek, lingering for a moment before pulling back to meet his gaze once more.

Her breathing was shallow, he noticed, and the slightest blush appeared on her cheeks. He studied her, breathing in her perfume, he didn't feel as shocked this time. Perhaps it was the jealously, or the fact that he had drank more tonight. But something prevented it from feeling so wrong.

He was not going to kiss her, he thought to himself as he saw her bringing her lips towards his. It would not be right.
But the second that her lips touched his, his thoughts of duty vanished. It was as if a flood gate had been opened inside of his mind, every inch of want that he had for this wonderful woman came pouring out. Slipping his hand out of hers, he placed it on the small of her back and pulled her closer to him. Her skirts tangled between his legs and brushed against his trousers as her hands flattened themselves on his shoulders. She let him place a hand on her chin to position her head, just so.

It was a deep, meaningful kiss that had no need to go anywhere. Her hands gripped tighter with every move that he made. He became lost within the taste, smell and feel of her.

Then, a tiny niggle in his mind dragged him back to reality. He pulled away from her, his breathing was as heavy as his heart when he saw her looking bereft. ''I am sorry ma'am. Please, forgive me.''

''What for?'' She asked quietly closing the space between them. ''I was the one that kissed you.''

''You are the Queen ma'am. We have long since been seen as more than what we are. You are married now. I cannot risk pulling your name into a scandal with you already living around one. Please understand that I am trying to protect you.''

''I refuse to keep giving things up for the sake of duty. Do you regret kissing me?'' She asked, looking hurt.

He shook his head violently ''No, of course not. The risks are just too great.''

''Too great for what?'' Victoria pressed. ''I said to you before Albert arrived that I did not want to marry. I do not feel anything has been true since. I certainly have not been happy.'' Lord Melbourne watched the poor woman huff in annoyance as he did not respond. ''I shall leave you to retire. Good night, Lord Melbourne.''

Like the weak man that he was, he watched her walk away.

Walking down the corridors with a frown across her face, Victoria opted for not wishing Albert a goodnight. She did not want to make her evening any worse. George was right. Lord Melbourne was trapped behind his own feelings for the sake of being respectful.

''Victoria'' A familiar voice called from behind. As Victoria turned around, she saw her Uncle Leopold walking towards her.

''Uncle Leopold. What are you doing here?'' She asked, surprised. ''I thought you were back in Coburg?''

''I was called here to attend to a problem.''

''I would have liked to of been informed first.'' Victoria looked around, the corridor was deserted. ''What is the problem?''

''I have been here a while now, I arrived earlier this evening, I did not feel the need to inform you. Albert invited me. It is his house now, as much as it is yours.'' He spoke with a sharpness in his voice that made Victoria defensive.

''I am sorry Uncle but I must wish you goodnight, I was on my way to retire.'' Before he could respond, Victoria turned and walked down towards her chambers. Closing the door quietly behind her she turned, locked it and sat against it, breathing heavily with her head in her hands.

The plot begins now. It would not be relatable if they just jumped into bed together. But that is coming, I promise. Thanks for reading.