Victoria wanted to tackle the divorce with Albert as soon as her birthday celebrations were over. He had ignored her since she returned to Buckingham Palace last night. Her boxes and documents for an upcoming bill meant that she had remained in her Green Room for most of the morning. But no sooner did she leave it, her Uncle had caught her.
''Victoria, I feel as though we need to discuss something.''
''Now? I have only just finished my boxes.'' She had been clock watching in the hope that Lord Melbourne would visit her.
''I am afraid that it is quite urgent.'' He pressed, encouraging her to stop. ''Your mother and I are worried about your recent behavior. You have been ignoring your duty, again.''
Victoria smiled. ''And what duty would that be Uncle?''
''I think you should focus on your marriage with Albert and your duty to your public. He will steady the instability that is surrounding you. Instead, you are fleeing to Brocket Hall to frolic with your Prime Minister, who as you know, is heavily tainted with scandal. I would like to know why.''
Victoria did not break her gaze from her uncle. ''Lord Melbourne may be tainted with scandal. But that scandal was public. Albert's name is not tainted because nobody knows about it. As for why, I would rather spend time with someone who is honest and likes my company, over someone who does not.''
''You believe that Lord Melbourne is honest around women?'' Leopold questioned.
''More honest than Albert. Yes.'' Victoria turned and walked away.
''Uncle Leopold plans to stay until I am with child, I'm sure.'' Victoria seethed as she walked through the maze gardens with Lord Melbourne beside her. He had arrived shortly after Victoria's conversation with Leopold and was forced to burden her anger about it.
''My brother was telling me that he has been writing many letters during your absence, and that he met with someone outside the Palace the night that we returned.''
''I would like to announce my wishes to divorce Albert. Surely the longer we leave it, the harder it will become?''
''The Privy council took a long time warming to Albert ma'am. The case of his allowance and role was a difficult one. I need to ensure I have all areas covered before going forward to tell them. Divorce is also incredibly expensive and tricky to grant ma'am. As Queen, we want it to affect your reputation as little as possible.'' He looked down at her, she was looking straight ahead at the less than pleasant view looking quite sad. It was a sight that he had not seen when they were at Brocket Hall together. He clasped her hand, knowing that the maze concealed them from view and offered her a reassuring gaze when she looked at him. ''Let's wait until after your birthday ball. That will give you time to plan your discussion with Albert and not cause any friction in-front of your guests.''
Victoria nodded in agreement. ''Are you staying for dinner tonight? I was planning on doing a painting of Dash in the sitting room. We would be quite alone, just like Brocket Hall.''
He sighed. ''I am meeting an old friend for dinner tonight. They are only in London for a short while, they requested I meet with them.''
''I see.'' Victoria said cautiously
He encouraged her to stop as he faced her, running his fingers down her cheek. He watched her eyes close as she leant into his touch. His lips quirked in half a smile before he leant down and kissed her.
''Please forgive me ma'am, you know that I would much rather be here. But I will be back tomorrow, it is your birthday, after all.''
Lord Melbourne walked up the steps of the very posh looking town house owned by Annabelle. He had been here many times before.
He had agreed to dine with her this evening before seeing Victoria this morning. To begin with, the idea had not seemed too terrible. Annabelle was an old friend, and he did not dislike seeing friends. But he had felt great guilt when telling Victoria that he was unable to attend the Palace tonight. Her disappointment sat deep in his mind even as he knocked on the door.
A very handsome and well dressed butler answered the door and quickly welcomed The Prime Minister inside, taking his coat and offering him a choice of alcoholic beverages.
''Mrs. Lacey is just through those doors My Lord.'' He said, after Lord Melbourne had chosen a small glass of scotch.
The house was incredibly feminine. Annabelle's husband had died a few years ago, and she had wasted no time in changing the way his many houses looked. Lots of flower arrangements sat on various tables and paintings of various scenic views hung on the walls. It was a far cry from the dark and very cold looking house that he walked through during his last visit.
''William!'' Annabelle stood from her seat and offered the biggest smile as she walked over to him.
He accepted her hug with some awkwardness. ''I am very thankful for the invitation to dine with you ma'am.'' He started. ''You look very well in yourself.''
''Less of the ma'am'' She waved her hand, dismissing the word immediately. She wore a cream-colored gown with purple and pink flowers dotted around the sleeves and waistline. A small diamond necklace hung around her neck and her hair was full of matching ribbons woven into her long bouncy curls.
The style was a little too out there for Lord Melbourne, but Annabelle became very popular when in London, for her ability to stand out and her lack of fear despite the judgement she received for it. She was called a role model for women at one point.
Dinner was pleasant enough, but he found it odd to have such a small dining party. He had either eaten alone, or dined with the Queen and her family and friends recently. Paying someone attention other than Victoria felt wrong to him, somehow.
''You seem distracted.'' Annabelle questioned politely.
He realized he had been staring into his glass, deep in thought about Victoria. ''Forgive me.'' He smiled, turning his attention back to his host.
They caught up about many things. She had told him about her career after her husband's death, her goals and new life out in Cornwall. He had listened with interest. ''So, what brings you back to London?'' He asked
''I have to keep an eye on the houses.'' Annabelle answered ''It is nice to get away sometimes too. London has its positives if you look hard enough.'' She smiled and winked. Her and George were very alike.
He had been there a while, listening to her talk as they shared wine together. They moved into a seating area, sitting side by side overlooking a fireplace surrounded by portraits. The night was easing on and her company had not been unpleasant. He had nothing against Annabelle. But he found he couldn't stop thinking of Victoria.
He was in over his head, ever since Brocket Hall she filled his thoughts whenever they were not together. Unable to settle, he considered making his excuses and leaving.
''I will never be able to repay you for your kindness to me over the years.'' Annabelle dragged his attention back onto her by placing a hand on his arm. ''I do not know where I would be without you William.''
He smiled. ''It was the least I could do.'' He replied politely. ''I should be leaving. I have an important vote at the house tomorrow.'' He lied. He had a birthday celebration to prepare for.
''It is still early.'' Annabelle argued. Her hand still on his arm. ''You used to be such a night owl.''
''Parliament tends to age a person ma'am.'' He joked. Noticing that she did not smile back.
''I have missed your company, William. We shared such… special times together, did we not?''
He stood to rise, an uncomfortable heat rising in the pit of his stomach. Annabelle rose with him and quickly clasped his hands, pulling herself close to him.
''I miss those times, William. Perhaps in time we could become close again, like we used to be?''
He took a deep and uncomfortable breath, releasing his hands gently from hers. ''I am sorry.'' He paused ''I find myself quite besotted with someone else. I do not think it wise to revisit the past in the detail of which you are implying.''
''You were besotted with Caro too, don't you remember?''
He did remember. His marriage was filled with love, but not the kind of love that filled his life now. He was content with Caro. He now relied on Victoria to keep his weary heart beating and his soul with some life. ''The one thing I took from my marriage is that the mistakes I made would not ever be worth doing again, ma'am.'' He said quietly, waiting a moment before continuing. ''Thank you for your company this evening. Good night, Annabelle.'' He bowed politely and left without a second glance back.
He was so relieved to be back at Dover House. George had laughed hysterically as Melbourne had rambled on the events of the evening with Annabelle. Once the jokes were said, George turned half serious.
''Regardless of what that model of a woman sees in an old man like yourself…. You did the right thing, Brother. To have something so precious that you cannot bear the thought of damaging it means something. You have struck gold man!''
He knew he had struck gold. Sitting down he decided to write to her. An early birthday message with some loving words until he could see her later tomorrow.
Her Majesty,
I write to wish you an early happy birthday in hope that I am the first to offer you many happy returns. This letter has been sent to you quite late, and I suspect you are already sleeping and dreaming of beautiful things. I spent the evening thinking of our times together and feeling thankful for the life that you have restored within me.
Her Majesty is the very air to my lungs some days.
Your devoted Prime Minister.
He sealed the letter and ordered it be sent off before he had time to rethink it.
Victoria sat in front of her mirror, waiting to be dressed. The letter had been waiting for her when she awoke.
Her evening was lonely last night. Despite being surrounded by her family, Albert and her ladies. Victoria felt his absence. Even when he did not speak, or engaged in conversation elsewhere, his presence comforted her, for she could look and he would always be there.
She smiled, the letter still in her hand. For a moment, she forgot about her birthday, Albert, her Uncles' and Mother. The vision of ruling alone and having him as her companion gave her as much fulfillment as the idea of having a husband did.
''Good morning, ma'am.'' Skerrett walked in and bowed, a smile as bright as Victoria's ''Happy birthday.''
''Thank you, Skerrett. I feel this one shall be wonderful.''
Victoria walked in beside Albert. Every eye sat on her, she noticed.
Albert wore his usual German attire for formal events. He had refused to change his clothing and style once married as he stated he wanted to remain true to his past. Victoria hated it, and found it disrespectful.
Skerrett and Mrs. Jenkins had dressed her in a sleeveless, deep blue gown that clung to her waist and hips before falling out around her legs. It was much less constructed than her usual gowns, as the thin fabric rolled along the floor. The dress was smooth and crisp down the sides, but the chest and center line of the gown itself was split and decorated with frills which gave it some depth. A thin white lace trim around the waist was a bold contrast to the deep ruby necklace that she was wearing. 5 stones lined her collar bone and chest. The whole dress exposed more of her, in many ways, but the biggest part was that her cleavage was more visible than usual. She had noticed, with some distaste, Albert staring as he complimented her on her look.
The ladies of fashion complimented her new choice of style, and Victoria was sure that Harriett was enjoying the task too. She was so keen to keep up with women of her age, some of the dresses her mother wanted her to wear were far too old fashioned.
The Duchess scoffed at the outfit and expressed her distaste for it. But not one male within the room failed to compliment her on her new look.
Victoria danced with the other Princes', her husband, and even The Duke of Wellington. Lord Melbourne arrived during a dance and locked eyes with hers immediately. He tilted his head as he observed her dancing with the Duke, who also caught his eye.
''Lord M. I was beginning to wonder whether you would show up.'' Victoria said politely after the dance.
''I wouldn't miss it for the world ma'am.'' Lord Melbourne saw Albert watching him from afar, perhaps he should be concerned, but he had little interest in what the prince thought.
''I am sorry I did not leave your gift with the others at the Palace. I quite fancied the idea of handing it to you myself.''
Victoria watched him pull a little red box out of his pocket. It was decorated with a blue ribbon and beautifully wrapped. He handed it to her, and she smiled, butterflies building in her stomach.
''I shall retreat to the balcony to open this. The lighting is better there.'' Victoria clearly beckoned him to follow her, as she noticed his hesitation. There were many royals and fellow party members here. The night was young, it would not look good.
''Lord M.'' Victoria called him this time. Unable to deny her, and ignoring the looks, he followed her out of the room.
The corridor was far better lit, she was right. He followed her into a little side room, which contained some chairs and a small table. They found themselves hidden away from people, but the music and conversation of the ball were still within earshot. He watched Victoria delicately unwrap the gift and open the small brown box. There, perfectly within it's case of protective paper, sat a little china dog, painted perfectly to match Dash, her beloved pet.
Victoria gasped as she set the box down and cradled the gift, looking at it from every possible angle. ''Oh, it's beautiful! What a wonderful gift Lord M. It is by far the best out of my selection. What a likeness to him.'' She smiled warmly, thank you.'' She said softly, looking up at him with those beautiful eyes.
''You left a painting of him at Brocket Hall ma'am. I had a butler send it to London so that the artist could paint his markings accurately. I have the painting at Dover House, should you want it.'' He knew how special her artwork was to her.
''Hang it up somewhere, in Dover House. It shall be a memory of this day for you.'' Victoria looked back down at the gift, clearly in awe. He had done well, he thought. He was usually so terrible at gifts.
He had been admiring her outfit since he arrived. Watching her body move beneath it from afar, wondering whether it would move differently for him. The silk fabric looked expensive, and easily wrinkled.
He stepped closer to her, breathing in her delicious scent and reveling in the way she had to look up, to hold his gaze. Rules be damned, he thought to himself as his desire took hold.
He clasped the small of her back faster than she could react and pulled her flush to his chest. Victoria braced her hands on his shoulders and lifted her head up as she met his kiss with as much passion as he had. He was pleasantly surprised at how she responded. Her actions were confident as she moved her lips in sync with his. She had remembered, from Brocket Hall. He brushed the smugness aside at the idea of teaching her something so intimate. She broke free of his lips and tilted her head back, permitting him her neck to nibble and suck on. Her hands started to explore, but he kept his firmly in place, not wanting to mark or disturb her gown. He moaned against her neck; he had missed her terribly. ''Did you receive my letter this morning?''
Victoria nodded and swallowed. ''It was so lovely to wake up to contact from you.''
He wondered what it would be like to wake up beside her… He stopped himself, he was getting carried away.
Voices rang in his ears, they were distant. He pressed his forehead against hers and sighed, rubbing his hands on her hips gently. ''We cannot do this whilst there are so many people about.''
Victoria took a few steps back and grasped the gift box as the voices drifted off.
Victoria strode towards him. ''I hope you will dance with me tonight Lord M.''
She was very composed. Not flustered or wanton like she was at Brocket Hall. ''Of course ma'am. I wouldn't miss it for the world.'' He placed a chaste kiss to her cheek and allowed her to leave the room.
''You're staring at her.'' Emma scolded as she stood beside Lord Melbourne.
He glanced at her before looking back out to the room. ''Terrible, isn't it.''
''You seem happier…'' She said with a tease in her voice. Melbourne rolled his eyes.
''Stop it.'' He warned.
''I just hope you do not get into anything stupid with her. Friendship is one thing, but the rest would get you into trouble William.''
''Nothing has happened.'' He lied. He knew that Emma could gossip.
''I don't believe you. I was there at Brocket Hall, remember. You must be careful William. You may be staring at her, but others are watching you.''
''They should find something more interesting to look at.'' He paused. ''I don't recall anyone ever setting a rule on how long you can watch a Monarch for.'' He turned to look at his friend, who wore a kind but concerned smile. Nodding, she left him to his evening.
The room was alive with activity. Victoria had provided lots of food and drink for people. There were many dancing couples, along with groups of men and women talking, watching and laughing. The music was beautiful, as his eyes fell onto the group of musicians. Not missing a single note. For a birthday, it was one heck of a ball.
He walked towards a butler who was offering out champagne. ''Lord Melbourne.'' Victoria's voice rang above the music and noise of the room. ''I have saved you a dance.''
He smiled; she had been dancing all night. Taking her hand and placing his in the small of her back, a lot more delicately than he did earlier, he pulled Victoria into the flowing steps of the dance. ''Do you think I dance well, Lord M?'' She asked.
''You are a fast learner ma'am. Your dancing is much improved.''
''I have had a good teacher.'' Victoria smiled, following his lead.
''Excuse me.'' Albert coughed gently to gain Lord Melbourne's attention. Albert did not say anything further, but he knew, that he wanted to talk, with his wife.
Victoria looked between the two men, and then followed Lord Melbourne's eye to where The Duchess, Cumberland and Leopold all stood, watching her. ''No.'' She said firmly to Albert. ''I shall speak with you once I have finished dancing with Lord M.''
''It's alright ma'am.'' He tried to calm her, backing off as he spoke.
''No!'' Victoria said firmly. ''I was dancing with you before, I would not give up a dance with anyone for someone else, it is rude.''
She walked the few strides that Lord Melbourne had put between the couple, and offered her hand. The music had stopped and the room was watching him. This was the very start of his worst nightmare. He hesitated. ''Lord Melbourne. I apologize for my Husband's rudeness, I would like to continue our dance. Do you refuse me?'' Her tone was firm and caused many heads to look down or the other way. Taking her hand triggered the music to start again. He quickly pulled her into the correct step and continued.
''I do not care what they think. Albert would never have asked to talk if mama and Uncle Leopold hadn't told him to. He hates dancing. I shall dance with him after.''
He smiled but eyed the room. Many Tory members were sitting and waiting for her to make another mistake. They wanted her under a regent. Victoria's stubbornness and temper would encourage that if she wasn't careful, not discourage it.
Victoria had danced far too much this evening. Her feet were beginning to ache and her chest and back were sore from the corset being tighter than usual. As she walked around the room, she overhead some House members talking.
''Did you hear that Annabelle Lacey is back in London?'' Victoria overheard Emma's voice
''My husband told me. Her and Lord Melbourne had dinner together alone last night.'' She paused ''You don't think they would end up being together again, like before do you?''
Victoria swallowed, nausea swelling in her stomach.
''Annabelle was always a flirt. William is charming, but I am not sure if he would make the same mistake again. Look at what happened last time.''
''He is alone and she is a widow. If they are going to do anything, it would be perfect now.'' Harriet argued.
Victoria withdrew.
Her head was spinning violently as she gripped the balcony and took the cold air into her lungs. She had expelled the champagne from her stomach as panic had set in and told her ladies that she needed some air and space.
Victoria had asked the Duchess about Annabelle; her mother had enjoyed telling her all about her and Lord Melbourne. Annabelle was the woman that Lord Melbourne had engaged in criminal conversation with when his wife Caro had left. Despite being acquitted, he had defended Annabelle in The House for nearly 5 months and refused to let the matter rest until they were both acquitted. There was talk that he had supported her through some secret and had housed her somewhere at one point, but no evidence was found to take matters further.
Victoria had then been told that when Annabelle left London with her daughter after her husband's death, 3 years later, Lord Melbourne had gone into complete isolation and remained there for nearly 1 month. Government began to crumble, and that the Duke was the one seen to enter Dover House and emerge out a few hours later with the Prime Minister. She went on to say it was believed that he was so afflicted with sadness at Annabelle's departure from his life that his own health had suffered greatly as he looked very sick for many weeks following it.
Time healed and people forgot.
But now she was back. If he loved her all those years ago, then their love could be rekindled.
She looked down as her tears had fallen from her cheeks and marked the dry stone of the balcony. Her fingers were turning white as she gripped the stone edge and let her tears fall, bending down as the hurt she felt reached her heart. She had trusted Lord Melbourne.
''There you are ma'am.'' His voice did not match his expression as he saw her upset. ''What's the matter?'' He said quickly, concern deep within his voice as he walked to her side.
Victoria had stood up straight and was composing herself as she faced him. ''Mama told me about Annabelle.'' She started. ''I was told your history with her is very emotional.''
He looked down at the floor, and then out to the darkness of the world around Buckingham Palace. He sighed. ''What's the matter Lord Melbourne?'' Victoria snapped.
''I did not tell you because I didn't feel it important information ma'am.'' He spoke with caution. ''Annabelle was a good friend for many years. I have no intention of taking our time together yesterday any further.''
''Did you love her?'' Victoria said, with her tears clear in her voice.
''Not in the way that you mean, ma'am.'' He replied.
''You either do or you don't!'' Victoria yelled. ''I have been in this position before, and I do not wish to be in it again. Do you think me too young and foolish to understand matters of the heart?''
''No, of course not.'' He said firmly, taking a step towards her. ''But I fear you do not know the whole story.''
''I know plenty Lord Melbourne! I even heard of your isolation after Annabelle left London. You must have been struggling with such heartache at the loss of a mistress.''
His eyes were wide and he looked taken back by her words. ''I advise you do not make such judgements based on others words ma'am. Remember Lady Flora…'' He started.
''How dare you compare my mistake with Lady Flora to your mistress returning to London!'' She shouted, anger replacing her upset. ''I have been through this before Lord Melbourne and I refuse to go through it again.''
''She is not my mistress'' he said firmly, his own voice rising. ''You are judging my story based on someone else's version!''
''Your own friends Emma and Harriett think that you will rekindle your love with Annabelle. I refuse to stand here and see this happen again. I have been through this with Albert. I trusted you!'' Victoria shouted and walked further away from him, folding her arms as the cold started to bite at her skin.
''Nothing happened with Annabelle!'' He shouted. ''I will not stand here and be compared to someone as insignificant as Albert.'' He walked towards her.
''Enough.'' Victoria shouted, watching her Prime Minister recollect himself and take a step back. ''I cannot bear the idea of enduring dishonesty again. I think for now, I need some space.''
''Why are you refusing to hear my side, ma'am?'' He asked quietly.
''I listened to Albert, and he lied. It is humiliating to be lied to in such a way.''
''You think of me the same as Albert? Do you really think that I would hurt you? She is an old friend… that's all.''
Victoria didn't answer. She couldn't bear the pain any longer. One part of her wanted to run into his arms, knowing the comfort she would find there, and the other wanted to push him away and heal her own heart. ''You may leave us.'' She said, tears slipping down her cheeks as she did. She was unable to look at him.
He looked surprised, and she was sure he contemplated arguing. ''I cannot change my past, ma'am. You have always seemed understanding of it. Perhaps it was my mistake, to believe you.'' He ignored the look of shock on her face, bowed and left quite quickly.
Victoria covered her mouth to secure a sob as she sank down onto the stone floor of the balcony. Cold drops of rain stung her arms as she sat there in a pool of skirts and tears.
''I hope you're happy with yourself.'' Melbourne spat as he walked past Emma and her husband. He was leaving. Fury boiled within his blood and was impossible to hide.
''What's the matter William?'' She asked, a smile still on her face as the severity of the situation was still unknown.
''YOU and your gossiping has just caused an argument with myself and Her Majesty. And yes, I mean that.'' He shouted, pacing frantically. ''You find it so easy to talk about others and not consider the damage it causes.'' He stopped and took a step towards her, ignoring her near silent husband who clearly knew he was not involved. ''You will speak to Victoria and tell her the full TRUTH about Annabelle. If you think I am stupid enough to pay that woman any further attention after last time then you know me less than I thought.''
He walked off, murmuring something before Emma could even think of a word to say in response.
''She dismissed me!'' He shouted, pacing his own rooms at Dover House in anger. ''I should never have gone to dine with Annabelle, look at the trouble this has now caused me.'' He looked over to his brother.
George sat quite calmly drinking brandy. ''She is young. Let her calm down and wait for the questions to burn inside her mind. Vickie is far too curious to let the shadows go unexplored. You haven't done anything wrong man. Calm down, have a drink.''
''I cannot believe that she would behave so judgmentally towards me. She would not listen to a word I said, as if she was waiting for me to hurt her any way…'' He huffed
''She has been hurt before, plus she is young, a rather dangerous combination if I do say so myself. Time will heal this, don't worry. I find it odd that cat Annabelle is in London anyway. Came out of nowhere, don't you think?''
Lord Melbourne slumped down in his chair, took a big gulp of brandy and sighed. ''She was the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I let her slip away without a fight. Time heals nothing George. All we are doing is trying to find ways to make it hurt a little less.''
George tried to compose himself, but ended up laughing. ''You are so in love that you cannot see straight.'' He stood, laughing and shook his head. ''If she is so important. Then you do not let her go. Whatever trials you face, it will be worth it in the end.'' He nodded, ''Goodnight, old chap.''