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The group stood in the large ball room. The bright sunlight pouring in from the many windows that surrounded them did nothing to warm the icy reception Victoria had given her Uncle and Mother upon agreeing to discuss a matter.
''Why are you here, Uncle?'' Victoria pressed as the German man continued to avoid the subject.
Leopold looked around at Victoria's ladies. ''I would prefer to talk with a private audience.'' He demanded.
Victoria looked over at her ladies and nodded to dismiss them. Albert and The Duchess sat down beside each other and they all waited for the door to click shut.
''Albert has informed me that you are resisting his attention, Victoria.'' Leopold started.
''I cannot resist something that is not there.'' Victoria argued. ''You know what has happened Uncle, I do not wish to be associated with Albert in any way after his behavior.''
''That is why I am here'' Leopold began.
''Questions have arisen as to when you are going to produce an heir, Victoria.'' The Duchess spoke up.
Victoria looked at her mother and her Uncle in shock, and then at her husband, in disgust. ''You called your Uncle from Germany and my own Mother to bully me into producing an heir with you?''
''Nobody is bullying you Drina.'' Her mother soothed. ''Albert has expressed concerns about you.''
''I quite disagree!'' Victoria raised her voice. ''You are both expecting me to overlook his behavior and produce a child with Albert so that there is an heir to the throne. Well, I can assure you both, that is not going to happen. I am not happily married; I will not take the matter any further.''
''Most marriages are unhappy'' Leopold pointed out. ''It has been almost year since you have been married to Albert. Sooner or later the public will become impatient.''
''Again, I disagree. I have a happily married couple in my guest rooms right now. I refuse to subject myself to such misery just because I am expected to produce an heir. I rule as a Queen, I am not going to submit simply because I am a wife!'' Victoria yelled before striding off.
''This will be resolved Victoria.'' Leopold warned. ''I sent Albert to you to become a husband, not a companion.''
''I am sure there are lines even you would not dare to cross. Uncle.'' Victoria strode out of the ball room.
''Leopold is here'' Emma whispered to Lord Melbourne who was sat beside his brother at breakfast.
Melbourne sighed. The wretched man sent shivers down his spine. ''What could he possibly want now?''
''I would like to speak to the rat, if I may.'' George chipped in. ''I have many questions.''
''We are leaving as soon as that tree is removed. You will be speaking to no rats.'' He added.
Emma laughed at the two.
Lord Melbourne had not seen Victoria since last night. He owed her an apology. He shouldn't expect such a young and strong-minded woman to understand why they cannot embrace their desires for each other. Rising from the table. The Prime Minister excused himself and left the room, in search of The Queen.
Lord Melbourne entered without an announcement once the footman had mentioned she was quite alone in her Green Room. ''Ma'am, I was wondering if I might have a word?''
Victoria was dressed in an emerald green riding gown and her top hat was surrounded by braids. Her face looked raw from crying. ''I am not talking to anyone Lord Melbourne. If you wish to spend time with me, then I am about to go riding, speak to me then. Otherwise, I am unavailable.'' She spoke with a certain frost in her voice.
She had been crying. Her voice was hoarse, her face red from tears, and her eyes had no sparkle. Emma was right, she looked frantic and unstable. ''I should love to join you for a ride ma'am.''
Victoria nodded without catching his eye and walked out of the room, forcing Lord Melbourne to rush after her. He was not letting her ride alone in such a state.
''Ready my horse.'' Victoria snapped to the young groom who had clearly not been told to prepare the horses. He eyed the Prime Minister approaching behind her and dragged 2 horses from their stalls, quickly preparing them as Victoria paced the stable floor. The air was cool and the damage from last night's weather evident on the ground. Lord Melbourne watched her riding gown drag in the clean straw and hay that littered the cobbled flooring of the stable. Victoria was usually so calm around horses, he had often seen her stroking, patting or showing the animal some affection. However today, she paid them no attention.
Lord Melbourne mounted his substitute horse quite alone, as the groom nervously helped Victoria onto her mount, sorting out her gown around the side saddle that she was seated on. A job usually done by ladies; Melbourne noted. ''No guards ma'am?'' He asked, spying their usual chaperones were nowhere in sight.
''No'' Victoria snapped before digging her heels into her horse and setting off at a brisk gallop down the nearest track. Lord Melbourne was taken by surprise as he followed. The pace was blistering, and the cold air made his eyes water as the horse hammered down the track, keeping a good pace with the other. He saw The Queen was leant forward, driving the animal faster, as if trying to get away from him. He had never seen her acting so dangerously, she was usually so careful and gentle.
''Ma'am'' He eventually called, as they neared a small white stone covering in the middle of the woodland. He was sure that they were far from the Palace now. ''Please, slow down.''
It took a few minutes of pleading, but Victoria did eventually pull her horse up. Dragging the animal into a rough halt, he noticed with some sadness, that it's mouth was bleeding. ''Ma'am, your horse is injured. I advise that we dismount so that I can take a look.'' He panted.
Her facial expression changed and Victoria quickly slipped off the saddle and into the still wet grass. Lord Melbourne looked inside the horse's mouth to find a small nick in the gum, clearly he had caught it on the bit. He breathed a sigh of relief, knowing it was nothing terrible. When he turned around to face Victoria, he saw her sat down and quietly crying.
''Lady Portman told me that your Uncle Leopold is here.'' He started
''He and Mama say that people are questioning why I have not yet become with child. He wants me to forgive him for his behavior because producing an heir is more important, and that most marriages are unhappy.''
''I have not heard any talks ma'am.''
''I wanted you. 'Victoria cried. ''I came to you. I have been unhappy ever since. Your brother is right about you. You try and do the right thing, abide by your duty and be respectful. But you don't consider the hurt it causes others, let alone yourself.''
He was listening, but also planning a strong worded conversation with his meddling brother.
''I am stuck in a marriage with a man I don't love. And spend time with a man that I do, but is too scared to love me back. I have no idea what to do and my family are now pressuring me into producing a child with a man who is more interested in other married women, than myself.'' Victoria stood up. ''From the day I became Queen I have been fighting against sexist men who believe they know better than me, or that they can somehow do better. Not once do those men consider how difficult it is to carry such responsibility and be expected to bear children too. Now, I am married to one!'' She paused, taking a few long breaths. ''You supported and guided me right up until my marriage with Albert, and then you just left, as if I would never need you again!''
''In my defense ma'am, I did believe that Albert would take my place and you would not want me any further.''
The Queen sobbed into her hands as she sat back down. She was not calm, nor controlled, her frantic speech, heaving, crying, almost screaming at one point was alarming Lord Melbourne to the point that he had frozen on the spot. Her honesty was a sharp stab into his heart. He had been selfish and not considered her feelings. He thought for a moment that perhaps the House were right. She was not herself, the stress with Albert may be upsetting her state of mind.
''I should not have listened to you when you disagreed with my decision to rein alone. I could have avoided all of this. I am not loved, cherished or honored within my marriage.''
''I am sorry for how I have acted ma'am'' He spoke with as much calmness in his voice as he could, hoping she could still hear him over her crying. ''I would love nothing more than to act on my own inclination and make you as happy as I could with my remaining years. But I am sure that would not sit with you remaining as Queen. I do not want to see you lose anything for the sake of me. That does not mean I do not care. I want nothing more than for you to be happy and successful throughout your rein. Walking away from you was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. All I can do is support you, as a friend. Even if it breaks my heart.''
''You talk to me as if I am stupid Lord Melbourne. I understand the risks, I see the reasons as to why I could never marry you. I never asked for your hand in marriage at Brocket Hall. I asked for you, as my companion. I still desire nobody else. I wanted nothing to change. You leaving was the worst thing that could have happened for me, and now so much has changed that I fear even our friendship is ruined. I wish that you would see me as a woman rather than a Queen sometimes. Why do you not understand?''
His brother was right. He overthought everything. This woman was heartbroken, and inwardly blaming herself for not only her husband's behavior, but also his behavior. He was not listening to her, she was right, he assured himself on every haunting night that she clouded his mind that he was doing the right thing by keeping his distance, even if it felt wrong. He had been so foolish. Albert has messed this up enough himself. He was laden with scandal, but not enough to sit and let another man upset a woman, let alone a Queen. Lord Melbourne grasped Victoria's gloved hand and kissed it gently numerous times before leaning forward and kissing her. It hushed her crying. Her lips tasted of her tears and her breathing was heavy against his mouth, but her skin was warm as she stilled and softened to his touch.
''Forgive me'' he pleaded as he pulled away from her mouth, cradling her chin with his gloved hand. ''Please, forgive my foolishness.''
Victoria remained quiet, turning her head to look down at her worrying hands. Her tears had stopped falling as her breathing became steady.
''Come to Brocket Hall with me'' He spoke without thinking ''Leave all of this behind for a few days. We can develop a plan to try and get you out of this marriage, without damaging the crown. It may not be possible, but I would like to try and help you. I just cannot do it with so many eyes and ears about this place.''
''What will people say, if they hear of me travelling to Brocket Hall with you?''
He sighed ''Well, you do not have to come if you do not wish ma'am. But I don't think the court can argue much, given that your husband has already behaved so terribly and it remains permitted. Now, I think we should be getting back, don't you?''
Lord Melbourne was relieved to be sat in his carriage alongside George and his wife. He had every intention of speaking to his brother the moment that they were alone, but his anger had subdued with the realization that he was on occasion, right. Leopold had made the 3 of them feel most unwelcome. Albert was praised beyond belief, and it took all of Melbourne's willpower not to even drop a hint that he knew the truth.
''That Leopold is a cocky fellow isn't he. I have heard that he is most abusive towards women.''
''I was looking at paintings earlier, and I overheard him talking to a lady about some forceful measures around getting someone with child at the palace.'' Charlotte chipped in. ''He was talking in a very sly manner. I wouldn't trust him.''
Melbourne frowned.
''I am surprised The Queen lets him stay there. She doesn't seem too friendly to him either.''
''He is her Husband's relative, regardless of her status, I think she has to be somewhat fair.'' Lord Melbourne finished.
The three dined in Dover House with a more relaxed atmosphere.
''I did love the food at the Palace. But it is a bit of a faff playing posh all of the time.'' George chided before taking a large gulp of his drink.
''You get used to it after a while.'' Melbourne replied
Charlotte retired to bed early, so that she could write to her mother. Leaving the two brothers alone.
''What encouraged you to say those things to Her Majesty?'' Melbourne asked cautiously as the pair sat near the fire.
George smiled and leant back in his chair. ''Someone had to say something.'' He paused. ''I don't understand you, William. You have always been outgoing and flirty with women, why so careful with her?''
''She is The Queen'' He shrugged ''I have always tried to be respectful.''
''Well, now she knows your true feelings.'' George lifted his glass and took another drink.
Melbourne frowned ''What exactly did you tell her?''
''That you loved her'' George shrugged. ''Someone had to.''
''You what?!'' William exclaimed. ''What a fool you are George!''
''No'' George replied calmly, not rattled by his brother's anger one bit. ''You're a fool. You play her for a child too.''
''That's absurd'' He argued.
''No William, it isn't. You talk about her as if she doesn't understand the risks, or that she is too delicate to handle any form of trouble. It's respect, I get that. But that woman is savvier than you give her credit for. She did not mention you once. I had to bring you up. And even when I did, she gave nothing away. Her body language and response to any personal conversation is quite remarkable. And you're worried that she won't hold her own?'' George chuckled as sipped his drink, watching Melbourne carefully.
''It's myself I do not trust'' William sighed, twirling his drink in his hand. ''I have been watching her blossom for years. I do not wish to taint what she has worked so hard to build for herself. ''
''She is very clever'' George agreed. ''But, she is also young and clearly very lonely. As long as she understands the risks, why not just trust her, and yourself, and have a little fun? Just don't get her with child.''
''It would never go that far''
''And watch out for Leopold.'' George added quickly. ''That man has a plan, he has a history of claiming things that don't belong to him. With Vickie now married. What is hers could be Albert's and therefore, his.''
''I doubt it would be that easy. Albert is German. The public really wanted a British marriage.''
''If the public believe that Albert would make a better king, then yes, very easy. Regency for example is a tactic based on opinion, not fact.''
''She is worried Albert will take her crown. After what he has done, I cannot see why he wouldn't try.''
George smiled ''What has the devil done?''
''The unimaginable.'' Melbourne replied gravely, pausing as a thought popped into his head. ''How good are you at digging up information?''
''I would like to think, quite good. Why?''
''What about if it was on that fellow, Leopold?'' Melbourne eyed his brother who suddenly looked quite gleeful.
''I would stay in London just to dig dirt up on that old crook.''
''He pushed Victoria and Albert together. He even told me to encourage her to marry him. His forceful attitude unsettles me, he has come all the way from Germany to convince Her Majesty to go forth and produce an heir. He says that people are getting worried.''
''I have heard nothing.''
''Me either.'' Melbourne agreed. ''But I do not trust him. Do some digging on him for me, would you? For the sake of the Monarchy.''
Victoria had spent the whole day thinking about how she was to approach the announcement of her retiring to Brocket Hall for a few days with Lord Melbourne.
The pair had discussed it in detail on the way back to the Palace yesterday. Lord Melbourne had encouraged Victoria not to send her Uncle Leopold away, as much as she wanted too, as it would spark confrontation. And to use the rumors in The House as a valid reason for needing a retreat, but she was still to assume her family would see it as her avoiding Albert.
''I am doing the right thing, in going to Brocket Hall, aren't I Emma?'' Victoria spoke out into the silence. Her only lady in waiting sat reading a book as Victoria painted a scene from outside of the window.
''Yes ma'am'' Emma replied. She recalled William telling her of the events from riding, and voicing his concerns about how Victoria's state of mind was beginning to look, even to him. He had given many reasons for inviting the Queen. And, all of the other ladies invited had agreed to attend. ''You need some time away to consider your situation.''
Victoria sighed. I shall inform the court at dinner, tonight.''
Dinner was lovely, and as Victoria finished, she sent her regards to the chef. Albert had made conversation with the group tonight, he seemed more confident within Uncle Leopold's company, Victoria noticed.
Lord Melbourne had not attended tonight. Victoria noticed his absence, but was aware of his reasons.
''I have an announcement to make.'' She spoke aloud, causing the rest of the table to fall silent. Victoria noticed, with a degree of sickness, that her Uncle was smiling and looking very smug. ''There have been many rumors within the House about how sound my mind is. These rumors have been further fueled by my outburst at Prince Albert at the most recent ball. In light of the recent chain of events I have decided to accept Lord Melbourne's invitation to spend a few days at Brocket Hall with him. We leave tomorrow.''
''Drina!'' The Duchess gasped ''You cannot! You are married now! It will look terrible, chasing after your Prime Minister.''
''I am not chasing after anyone mama. I am retreating to support my own health for a few days. I will of course take my ladies and dressers. And I have already arranged for my boxes to be sent there. Any questions that arise can be answered with a simple statement of ill health. Because I do indeed feel unwell.'' Victoria remained polite and calm.
''And what about Albert?'' Leopold's German accent was thick in the tense atmosphere of the room. ''What does your husband think of this?''
''Well, Uncle, as you can see, my Husband seldom has an opinion on anything that i find important enough to voice. I am sure that he supports my decision to leave, he has plenty to do and must understand the taxing strain that I have recently been placed under.'' Victoria ensured her tone was firm as she eyed her husband, still looking down at his nearly empty plate.
''This is absurd'' Leopold spat. ''You are retreating away with an unmarried man and leaving your husband to wait for you at home. You do not think this will look bad on you? Think of your responsibilities Victoria.''
Victoria turned to look at her uncle. ''I am thinking of my responsibility Uncle, and my public require a strong Queen. Not a weak and sick one. I wish to stand for what I believe is right at the time and rule with honesty. I am being honest within my reasons and do not wish to hear any more on the topic. If anybody here has a problem with what I have just said, I suggest they leave court immediately and do not return.''
The final statement caused everyone to fall silent and show their submission. Victoria saw her Uncle's glare from the corner of her eye. She had no doubt that this was going to cause trouble.
Victoria looked over the letter from Lord Melbourne for a 4th time since she had retired. Dressed for bed, she sat beside the still burning fire and read it again.
I am writing to Her Majesty to remind her that I have not forgotten about The Queen throughout the course of this taxing day at The House. I trust that all went as well as possible at dinner, and I sincerely hope that Her Majesty is looking forward to attending Brocket Hall for her tour of my Glasshouses.
I have recruited my brother for help with the matter of your Uncle Leopold. His job is to source information on people and reveal truths. I feel it would be helpful to see if he can source any plan that your Uncle Leopold may have in order to try and remain ahead of it. I suggest you invite my brother formally to stay at Buckingham Palace whilst we are away at Brocket Hall. Their unimportant and unknown presence may make George's task easier.
I advise you dispose of this letter to avoid anyone reading it.
Until tomorrow,
Lord Melbourne.
Victoria handled the letter carefully, reading his name over and over, she had missed him, and it had only been a day. ''Lord M'' She whispered to herself.
''Victoria'' Albert's voice from behind the door just before it was opened caused her to toss the letter onto the burning fire. She watched with some sadness as it was quickly swallowed by the flames. Victoria had all of his letters in a locked box. From the very start, his counsel and support had helped her during many struggles. Both in person, or on paper, and she had grown to treasure them whenever she looked back at his written counsel in times of need. Anger filled her chest as she turned to Albert.
''What is it Albert. I am ready to retire.'' She spat.
''I came to express my displeasure in you leaving for Brocket Hall.'' He paused. ''I do not want you to leave and spend time with Lord Melbourne. The thought uneases me. You're my wife.''
Victoria tilted her head at him, remaining seated. It was as if he memorized words off of paper and read them out to her. He carried no emotion in his voice, and seldom offered an opinion, she had always found it odd, that he was so closed off. ''Albert'' She quietly. ''When we married, I didn't just read out vows, I gave you my forever. I dedicated the rest of my life to you. You gave me nothing. And now, I very often lay in bed and look at the ceiling, wondering what you're feeling now, for you have behaved as you wanted. If that's what love is about, choosing to hurt your other half. Then I am better off without.
We sleep separately, we hardly talk. I am fully aware that you choose to source pleasure in other women, and I have to accept that. To God, and the public eye, we are married. But we both know that there is nothing between us. You cannot tell me what to do.''
Albert nodded and looked sheepish as he bowed his head before turning and leaving the room. ''Good luck, Victoria.'' He murmured before closing the door behind him.
Lord Melbourne stood at the window, sipping his coffee in the peace of his library. It was a place that even his brother knew not to disturb him in. He left for Brocket Hall today, and his heart was much lighter at the thought of it. Emma Portman had been overjoyed at the idea when he had voiced his concerns. He had not told the House that Victoria was attending Brocket Hall though.
The butler burst into the room, looking flustered and surprised that The Prime Minister was already awake. ''Spit it out Bryon.'' Melbourne sighed, dragging his member of staff back into words. He noticed the man holding a set of papers. ''Forgive me sir, I had not expected to find you up. I have been ordered to inform you of this mornings news as a matter of urgency.''
Melbourne sighed. So often his name was smeared across newspapers, being The Prime Minister he was used to it now. A recent bill had angered the Tories and he expected nothing less from them. ''Thank-you'' he said warmly as the butler placed the papers down on a nearby desk.
Lord Melbourne picked the paper up and read the headline, his coffee cup, slipped from his fingers and crashed to the floor, spilling the hot liquid as the china smashed.
''Surely nobody will believe this.'' George tried to reason with Melbourne as he read the same headline.
Fears rise as Queen considered to be imperfect for not producing an heir with Prince Albert.
''It isn't to spark belief. The public move on from these things quickly enough. This is to pressure her into producing a child. Victoria wants nothing more than to follow her duty and please her public. The tiniest breath of wind from the wrong direction will encourage her to do just about anything.'' Melbourne seethed.
''The papers would never have published this based on gossip. Not this many in one night anyway. The source will have been creditable.'' George looked at the small pile of illustrations too.
''I'm sorry my Lord.'' The Butler called out again as he walked into the room. ''There is a message here, from Buckingham Palace.''
I remember reading the book that was created alongside the series of Victoria and noticing that opinion and politics played a huge part in the early stages of her becoming Queen. I wanted to include it within my plot. Makes for easier twists and turns. The next chapter will be up soon, as the two are closely linked. Thanks for reading, please leave your thoughts below!