Brocket Hall
Lord Melbourne walked towards The Queen's Green room after receiving a message to attend the Palace immediately. As he was announced, he saw Victoria, Albert and Leopold stood in the room.
Lord Melbourne walked over to Victoria and bent down on one knee to kiss her hand before bowing to the rest of her family.
''I gather you have seen the headlines Lord Melbourne.'' Leopold spoke a little too calmly for his liking.
''Yes sir, indeed I have.''
''I would like some assurance that this matter will be dealt with immediately. It was very sad to read of such news this morning.'' He continued
Lord Melbourne looked over to Victoria who remained quite silent.
''Unfortunately, Your Majesty it is but idle gossip.'' Lord Melbourne replied smoothly. ''I have spoken to a few members of The House, and heard no chanting or fuss on the streets whilst travelling over here. The Royal family is often written about. There is not much that anyone can do. Nothing can be proven.''
''It is embarrassing for Albert.'' Leopold snapped.
''I quite agree.'' Lord Melbourne wanted to raise the question as to why no women were bearing his children anyway, but he thought better of it.
''I have suggested to Victoria that she remain from the public eye and deal with the situation at hand.''
Lord Melbourne tilted his head ''I see'' He looked towards Victoria who remained silent.
''Of course, it would not take much to rectify, don't you agree?'' Leopold pushed
He paused, knowing that The King was trying to get him to encourage the idea. ''Seems a little unfair, in my humble opinion. The public are forcing something that has not yet happened on it's own.''
Leopold scoffed.
''Pardon me ma'am, but I have some matters to attend to at The House before leaving for Brocket Hall later.'' He bowed.
''You are not staying in London to support your Monarch?'' Albert questioned.
''There is not much that I can do. There is no debate about it in The House, no rioting or activity on the streets. You seem to have developed a plan. If anything changes, then I am sure Her Majesty will inform me, and I will attend to the Palace immediately. But, I can see that she is surrounded by support already.''
He bowed again and briskly left, wanting nothing more to do with the situation.
Lord Melbourne walked down the corridor with purpose to leave. Rage coursed through him. He was almost certain that man Leopold had set up the whole thing. Bullying a young woman into producing an heir. He huffed. Ignoring the jealously at the idea of her being at Albert's hands, unhappy, uncomfortable and…
''Lord M'' Her voice echoed down the corridor, drawing him to a halt. He turned and faced her.
''I am sorry. I did not send for you. My Uncle did.'' She said quietly, walking towards him.
''It does seem rather pointless ma'am. You already have the matter to hand.''
Victoria sighed, folding her arms. ''I see no other way of avoiding the rising questions. The illustrations and headlines are horrible. Nobody will let this go mama says. I know that my duty is to produce an heir, but I never expected the public to want one straight away.''
''You will be tied to Albert for many years ma'am. If you have a child together, you will not be able to leave the marriage.'' He warned
Victoria nodded, clearly becoming upset. ''I have no choice Lord M.''
''In that case ma'am'' Lord Melbourne bowed and made his exit. He was unable to talk to her whilst she was being so incredibly foolish.
Brocket Hall always lifted his spirits with its fresh air and scenery. Even this time though, Lord Melbourne was struggling to think of anything pleasant.
His glasshouses were blooming. Orchids, roses, lilies, and many tropical flowers covered the expansive floor and windows of the big building. The smells were delightful and a refreshing change to old books and paperwork.
Lord Melbourne often came here alone and often found the peace a blessing. But, as he sat by the fire, late that evening, the place felt too big and empty. It reminded him of his son, how he used to run about in the gardens, chasing the birds and butterflies before feeding the ducks their fair share of seed and bread. This was originally a family home. But he had not seen it as one for many years now. The prospect of having someone to talk to, relax with and show his flowers to was more appealing to him than he originally thought. He was lonely.
He had instructed George to contact the Palace and ask if Victoria still wanted them to stay. If she was now committing herself to Albert to produce an heir then it was unlikely she would need to find out of any plan. He wondered whether George was staying there or not.
Then his mind drifted over to Victoria deciding to produce an heir with Albert. That would involve having sex. He regretted kissing her as his jealously resurfaced at the idea of her being touched by another man. He should never have listened to George and Emma. His distance was protecting his heart. As he had not felt such pain when she was first married and on her honeymoon with Prince Albert. He had missed her company perhaps, but not fretted over whether he was touching her or not.
He drank the rest of his brandy before pouring himself another large glass. With nothing else to look forward to, he opted to drink until sleep took him. Perhaps tomorrow, would be better.
The sun had lost so much of its power as winter began to take hold. Lord Melbourne walked briskly down the gravel pathway and grasped the cold metal handle of his glass houses door. It was a beautiful day, but cold, as his warm breath left a lasting mist in the still air.
He loved the sharp transition. The warm air and humidity hit him as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Downing his coat and rolling up his sleeves, he set to work on some of his most precious flowers.
He had slept well and woke with minimal head pain despite the brandy he had consumed last night. His chest still ached and his throat became tight whenever he remembered their recent days together. He had memories, more than what he did before Victoria married. Those would just have to do.
He had spent many hours indoors as time drifted by. The rain pattered on the window panes at one point, drawing some of the cooler air in and helping the humidity. His servants had brought him tea, and various letters. But he had ignored them all. The tranquility of Brocket Hall was creeping its way into his blood and beginning to soothe his tired and hurting soul. He knew what he had to go back to. Watching the woman he loved, probably with child as he continued to honor her wishes and guide her as a Prime Minister. Retiring was something he aimed for now. He had no reason to remain in parliament anymore.
Despite the many distractions that Brocket Hall had to offer, Lord Melbourne couldn't ignore the blistering pain that sat deep within his heart. This was why he had turned her down. It just did not work.
The rooks were loud today, as he sat on the stone bench, with his back on the cool bricks behind him. The cloudy sky and cold wind matched his state of mind as he watched the black birds pair together and communicate. Time had drifted by; his eyes became wet just thinking of her. He had put plans in place to support Victoria in divorcing Albert. Perhaps even without marriage, he could have found a way to have her back in his life.
''Excuse me sir?'' The butler had walked an awful long way just to speak to him. The last time he had been disturbed here was when…
''Yes'' Melbourne didn't turn around.
''There is a message from your brother my Lord. He said that there have been uprisings at the Palace, and he advises you return as he believes you will be required.''
Melbourne looked down at his cold hands ''tell George that if I am required to attend the Palace then The Queen shall request me herself. Until then I shall remain here. That's all.''
The butler nodded and scuttled off back towards the Hall, leaving Lord Melbourne alone with his sadness once more.
The door was opened, he could a cold breeze cut into his bare arms, which had been warmed by the air within the glass house. ''Close the door'' he called, for probably the 10th time today. The servants were busy making sure he had plenty of tea and coffee as he soothed his painful head from the excessive consumption of Brandy last night, again.
''What a wonderful place'' Victoria's voice cut into his ears, causing him to stand up straight and turn around quickly. He couldn't hide the look of surprise on his face as he saw her standing there.
She wore a deep red gown with a matching bonnet and coat.
''Your Majesty!'' His voice sounded as shocked as he was sure he looked, and despite the look of guilt on her face, Victoria smiled. ''To what do I owe such a pleasure?''
''I was rather hoping your invitation was still open. I made a terrible decision.''
He put down the pick he had in his hand and sighed. ''Perhaps we should get some air.'' He suggested, before guiding Victoria back down the winding pathway to the doors. Grasping his coat and jacket. Lord Melbourne followed The Queen back outside and took in a deep breath of the crisp air. He sighed with pleasure. ''I do love coming here in the winter.''
''It is a wonderful house. I do not think I have ever seen one so big.'' Victoria looked up at the extensive glass house.
''It is one of 3 I have here at Brocket Hall ma'am. The suns warmth is trapped inside all year round, and the plants and damp nights create the humidity. I enjoy coming here when I am laden with a cold. It helps to clear my chest, breathing it all in.''
Victoria nodded and smiled, allowing him to lead her down a connecting path that led to a large lake. They walked steadily, in complete silence.
''I could not settle with Albert'' Victoria confessed. ''I felt so guilty to all of my subjects. I wanted nothing more to please them. But then Albert told me, when he came into my room, that he thought my short height and recent weight gain may affect my ability in becoming with child. Suddenly, I lost all consideration for anybody else.''
He looked down at Victoria who continued to stare straight ahead. She didn't look angry or offended. Just hurt and very upset. ''I have never heard such nonsense ma'am''.
''I couldn't stand the sight of him after that. I dismissed him immediately and wondered if any of his companions are with child. Perhaps he has something to compare me with. I was thankful that I remained clothed, to save further humiliation.'' Victoria stopped and turned to face him. ''I was wrong to believe that I could behave in that way. By treating Albert that way, I ended up becoming Albert.''
''I agree with you ma'am. But I confess that you do not place much confidence in me whilst you remain indecisive on the matter.''
''I felt pressured to do the right thing.'' She retorted. ''I fled the Palace this morning and told nobody other than my ladies and dressers I was going. I couldn't face mama or my Uncle Leopold again. They had so many questions yesterday. I cannot wait to divorce Albert.''
He was annoyed at the Prince's immature nature. ''Brocket Hall is honored ma'am. It still strikes me on how foolish and selfish the Prince has behaved towards you. Most men would do anything to have a wife like you.''
''Even you?'' Victoria joked.
He paused, drawing in a breath. ''If you divorce Prince Albert ma'am, there will be no going back on the matter, whilst you could remarry, it would not be to any of Albert's relatives.''
''I want nothing more in the world to divorce Albert Lord M. I am not afraid of being alone and have no plans to remarry. I am put off by all of his family. I am certain.''
As they carried on walking. Victoria slipped her hand into the crook of his arm, positioning it there firmly. ''I am sorry for upsetting you. I could see yesterday that you were displeased by my decision. I was too ashamed to ask you why. I was worried that you would be cross with me for listening to my Uncle Leopold. In truth, I was listening to the newspapers and illustrations. I saw no way out. I have so much to learn. Sometimes I think, that Albert is more able as King.''
''I was rather displeased at the idea of you laying with someone whom you do not desire ma'am.'' He confessed. ''But it was not my place to argue.''
''I still require guidance Lord M. I am haunted by my mistake with Lady Flora and vowed to never ignore your advice if you expressed it in such a manner again. Perhaps as Prime Minister, you did not have a right to say anything on the matter. But you had every right as my friend, to care for my wellbeing.''
''Your brother is at the Palace.'' Victoria continued. ''Last night, he said he overheard Uncle Leopold and mama discussing the situation with Albert. He said that Albert putting a child on me would secure their future in court.''
''My brother has a keen eye for detail ma'am'' He assured her. ''He will not let anything slip by.''
''I like your brother, Lord M. He was most kind during my upset. You should have him visit more often.''
The two made it back to the house just as another rain shower had started to patter down onto the grounds. Lord Melbourne was greeted by Victoria's ladies, including Emma and Harriett, alongside her dressers and 2 servants, one of which looked very uncomfortable whilst holding Victoria's beloved dog.
Lord Melbourne welcomed his guests into Brocket Hall and had the butlers take their things to the respective wings. Victoria had demanded a tour of the hall, whilst also being shown her rooms.
He found it difficult to believe that she was actually here. As he watched her explore every nook and cranny of the place, observe each painting or change of pattern on the walls and windows. The Hall was well decorated. Caro had offered lots of input into the place, and many of the rooms reminded him of her, as he answered all of Victoria's questions with a small smile and as much detail as he could muster. Grief still caught up with him on occasion. But not often.
He was happy that there was life in Brocket Hall. Victoria brought youth and excitement with her wherever she went, it was as if the place seemed brighter just by her being here.
He had ordered the nicest room in the hall to be prepared for The Queen, naturally so. The bed was made up and had a selection of quilts and pillows to whatever her taste. A large, full-length mirror sat in the corner next to a neatly prepared dressers table and wardrobe. To the right-hand side, sat a smaller but very comfortable room containing a chaise, chairs, a desk for working on, and a large fireplace, complete with a gently burning wire. There was a lot of detail in this room. The wood basket was woven with dried flowers between the wicker frame and artwork surrounded the walls. Mostly paintings of horses and hunting dogs.
''Brocket Hall is most beautiful Lord M. I do enjoy a change of scenery.''
He smiled and nodded gently ''I shall leave you to settle in ma'am. I have some letters that require my attention before dinner.''
The house were of course angry about the newspapers and rumors. But Melbourne could tell it was mostly the Tories looking for something to stab into his weakening name. There would come a day that he would have to back down for the strengthening party. But not whilst there was such involvement around The Queen. He still suspected Cumberland to be behind some of the trouble. He had started the concerns around her state of mind after all.
Dinner was friendly, and even with Victoria there, largely quite informal. Emma complimented him on his many displays in the glasshouses and the condition of the hall, whilst the others engaged in polite chatter. He wondered briefly what the atmosphere was like at the Palace without Victoria and how his brother George was getting on there. He had dined with the King before her, but he had forgotten what it was like to have Buckingham Palace without Queen Victoria.
As dinner passed, and the card games came to a halt, the evening slowly begun to close. It had been a long day, and he could see that his guests were tired, so he suggested retiring for the evening. Victoria's ladies bowed and made their exit with the servants, leaving Lord Melbourne to show Victoria back to her rooms.
He watched her ascend the staircase. Her room was on the top floor of the hall, and overlooked the huge gardens in the light of day. His son loved these rooms, and the many paintings of flying birds down the hallway were a tribute to him.
''You're sad'' Victoria said quietly, without turning around to look at him.
''This hall, as beautiful as it is, holds a few sad memories within it's walls ma'am.''
Victoria turned around to face him as she reached her door. ''I see. I know how painful it is losing someone you love Lord M. Regardless of my age.''
He smiled as she grasped his hands and stood on her tip toes to kiss his cheek goodnight. He closed his eyes as he felt her proximity there. A few hours ago, he had vowed to put the whole Albert situation behind him, to support her happiness and remain uninvolved. But here she was, stood within the loyal and very private walls of Brocket Hall. Inches from his face. Perhaps the young woman was unsure because of his behavior. He was a different person around her, but he had never considered that a bad thing given his history and affairs.
Lord Melbourne leant into her frame and placed an affirming kiss on her lips. Her hands found his shoulders immediately as she linked her fingers around his neck and pulled her body flush to his frame. The sudden contact pushed him into deepening the kiss, moving his mouth with hers in time and swallowing her breaths as his hands planted on the small of her back, holding her very close to him.
He pulled away, aware that they were still in the corridor.
''Good-night, ma'am.'' He said quickly, his lips quirked at her smile.
''Victoria has gone to Brocket Hall!'' The Duchess said as she stormed into the room where Leopold sat, writing a letter.
''Albert told me that their time together last night was, unpleasant.'' He replied, standing and walking towards The Duchess.
''Chasing after her Prime Minister, even if she was unmarried, will cause her a great deal of damage to her reputation.'' She replied, clearly upset by Victoria's actions. ''Why can she not leave Melbourne alone?''
''Victoria is lonely, and looking for some comfort. Melbourne needs to leave, really.''
''Sir John and I tried this before. Drina refused to abide by Robert Peels requests and prevented a government from being formed just to get him back. She will never let him go again.''
''Nonsense sister. The heart is a powerful tool if used in the right way. She gave up Lord Melbourne for Albert. She may have to give him up for someone else.''
The Duchess paced and fretted. ''I just want her to do the right thing and to help her. Have you spoken to Albert about his actions? He cannot keep hurting Victoria in the way that he is. She will never want him around if he does.''
''He has assured me that he will remain devoted to her until she is with child. He will then become regent and with Victoria in confinement, he can do whatever he pleases.''
The Duchess nodded. ''I confess, I did not want my daughter's marriage to end up like this. I hoped that she would grow to like Albert.''
''We have to work with what we have to work with.'' He replied coolly.
''What if my daughter does something stupid with Lord Melbourne?'' The Duchess continued to fret. ''She may end up having criminal conversations with him, or worse!''
''I must finish this letter.'' He soothed before giving his sister a hug.
Leopold stepped outside the back doors of the palace and walked towards the large pond that sat there. The candle was dim and offered little light, but the figure waiting for him was still visible.
''Here'' He handed the letter, folded neatly to the figure waiting. ''If she has any questions, tell her to write them down, and bring the letter straight to me. Give it to nobody else.''
The visitor nodded silently and rushed off into the darkness. Leopold turned around at a rustling, before quickly retreating towards the light of Buckingham Palace.
I detest people that feel the need to meddle in others lives, but it does make for a buildable plot. Please leave a review, opinions are always welcome!