Victoria paced the room anxiously. Fiddling with her sash every few minutes and making sure it was just so. Lord Melbourne had advised she leave the Privy Council meeting until he was better. He did not think they would listen to her. Victoria had considered taking his advice. But later decided that if she was to rule alone, they would need to listen to her. Not Lord Melbourne.
She understood the importance it had on the crown, how the public would react, and mostly, how court would be affected. But she had no idea how she was going to respond to such an argument.
Her rage from last night was still bubbling inside her. She had not slept at all. Her mind alight with thoughts. What they were planning, what else was happening, what they had already done…
''Are you ready, Majesty?'' Baroness Lehzen walked in and gave Victoria a comforting smile. She had no clue on the reason for this meeting, but supported Victoria never the less.
Taking a deep breath and pushing her thoughts aside, Victoria nodded. This meeting was more important than ever. Leopold and Albert had to go. Even mama if it came to it. Her heart ached with betrayal.
Her nails were digging into her palms as she walked towards the doors. They opened, and she was announced. Everyone bowed respectively at her as she walked through the group of men and up to her throne. They stood and waited in silence. Victoria noted with some unease that Lord Thomas had attended, perhaps he had the deciding vote with Lord Melbourne being absent.
''My Lords.'' She started anxiously. ''I have called you here today to raise a concern that I have for my rein, my court and my subjects.''
She looked across the men who were now eyeing each other. She breathed. ''I know that I have married Prince Albert with the forced introduction of my family. We spent little time together before I felt it was my duty to request his hand in marriage.''
''It was a good decision, ma'am'' Lord Thomas nodded his head, assuring her. Victoria watched with dread as many others nodded too.
''My marriage to Albert has been most unpleasant.'' She started. ''I will not go into the details of such private matters. But, after much consideration, I have decided that we would be better off apart.'' Victoria paused as she looked at the shocked faces surrounding her. ''My duty is to the crown. I do not feel that I am doing it justice whilst unhappily married. I don't want this to be overlooked simply because my age and gender are considered a disadvantage.''
''Lots of women are unhappily married but do not divorce. They make arrangements and carry on.'' Robert Peel said firmly. ''Albert received a great response from the house after his talks there and the marriage went down very well with the public in the end. You would most certainly cause an uprising if you divorce him ma'am.
''I agree'' The Duke of Wellington answered. ''You expected the public to follow you into the marriage of Prince Albert… who is German. You were most upset when your subjects, and us, as the Privy Council, did not support the marriage at first. Now you expect them to accept you divorcing him, after such a short time together? You would be much better off making arrangements within court ma'am, and remaining married.''
''You admit that you are struggling to do the crown justice whilst so unhappy. Yet when I spoke to His Royal Highness only the other day, he informed me that you will not split your duties with him. He is very much a shadow of you, and has no real role to play at the Palace.'' Sir Thomas jumped in. ''Perhaps if you asked him for help rather than Lord Melbourne, who cannot help with much of your duty, being Prime Minister, maybe you will feel less pressure?'' Victoria noticed how many of the Tories nodded in agreement.
''You made quite a fuss about giving him a title and place at court.'' The Duke added. ''You wanted Albert to be included within the crown and argued our hesitancy and doubts around him being involved. We were not keen on your marriage to him in the beginning, ma'am.''
Victoria swallowed as she listened to the large group murmur and agree with each other. Her first thought was that perhaps Lord Melbourne was right. Without justifying Albert's behavior and therefore her own, the Privy Council would not see her side without another Whig fighting her corner. She wished him to be there by her side. ''I am the Queen.'' Victoria snapped. ''I know my duty and the responsibility it holds. Now, I refuse to divulge in conversation around my husband's behavior. But I assure you that I have strong and legitimate reasons for wanting a divorce. If we were simply unhappy, then I would do as you suggested Duke, and make arrangements within court. However, I have already done this and it has not helped our situation, or the atmosphere in court. The last few weeks have seen my court ranked with corruption. Albert's family have been causing a great deal of distress. I do not want someone whom I do not trust to be running my affairs for me, Sir Thomas. I have always had to protect myself, as a woman. Albert expresses no interest in supporting me. He wishes to run me, and matters of state. I do not find that a trustful trait.'' She paused. Everyone was silent and watching her.
''I am a young woman, I have to prove myself every single day, and so far, I like to think I have managed. But in truth, I had no intention of marrying before Albert. Now I regret making that choice to marry, only to please my family. I am being told by my subjects and those that run parliament, that I am expected to accept my own unhappiness simply because I am married. That as a woman, I have no right to leave a situation and become happier for it. Well, as a Queen, I am standing by my decision to divorce Albert, rule alone and be happy. Women should not be subject to such misery just because they are inferior to men. I would like women to look at me and see someone of power, not someone who is miserably faking a smile.''
''And what about the papers and headlines? The public have been told to expect an heir. Not to mention the growing concern around this illness throughout London. The public are not going to take kindly to more uncertainty ma'am.'' Sir Thomas said.
''I am not sure who have assured the public of that? I certainly have not.'' Victoria snapped. ''I could be married to Albert for the next 20 years my Lords. I will still not be with child. As for the illness, I am informed by the doctors and have been advised to go no further with action. I do not feel Albert comes into the equation.''
''And do you expect us to file for adultery ma'am?'' Sir Robert asked
''No, Sir Robert. I will offer my husband a title, a house and an annual pension in exchange for leaving court and divorcing me. I hope that our marriage can end based on my wealth. As you are all too aware, my husband cannot take all of my wealth, unlike in poorer marriages.''
''If you do that ma'am, your divorce would not be granted on the basis of adultery. This is possible, but not easy. You would not be allowed to marry again though.'' The Duke warned.
''I am quite content with that Duke. I have no intention of marrying again.'' Victoria answered plainly.
''What about The King of Belgium?'' Sir Thomas chipped in again
''He is an Uncle to me, and my Mother's brother. But he is also a King, I have no reason to offer him anything. He would just leave court.'' Victoria snapped. Anger was still fresh in her veins as she recalled overhearing his conversation yesterday evening.
''What I don't understand is why Prince Albert is not here with you. Even as Queen, when filing for a divorce you should be present with your husband.'' Another member spoke out from the back.
Victoria paused, not knowing what to say. Albert had no idea this was going on. She had not told him. ''I have read that husband's often have the final vote in a divorce. I will give Albert his say, of course, but I wanted to have my side told without Albert tainting any opinions. As a young Queen, I understand that it's common to be misunderstood through the eyes of others.''
''Forgive me, but that is very dishonest ma'am.'' Sir Thomas said. ''Why have you done this with Lord Melbourne being indisposed. Did you not think he would agree?''
''Lord Melbourne is aware of my intent to divorce Albert and did advise that I wait until he has recovered before speaking to you, my Lords. However, I wanted your opinion to be based on what I have said, not what he could say.'' To her surprise, the group of men nodded and seemed to respect her answer.
''I am happy not to marry. I am happy to pay Albert an allowance and respect his presence in court for the time he has been here. I will converse with the public about this, myself. I wish to rule alone, like Elizabeth, and put the crown first. My marriage with Albert has put me off companionship.''
The Duke frowned. ''The house will need to take a vote on this. It will be under a parliamentary vote. I must confess that there are concerns as to whether or not a regent is needed ma'am. The House is under large agreement for it. We feel that government matters are not being attended to. This may impact on our decision as to whether you would be able to rein alone. Albert would be the obvious regent if not.''
Victoria stared in disbelief. ''I had no idea such talks were happening. I assume my own court have been involved in this?''
''I couldn't say ma'am. I do not know.'' He brushed her anger aside. ''But the regency vote will happen before your divorce settlement is put through Parliament. We shall have to speak to the Prince, too.''
''Is my Uncle Leopold involved in these talks of a regency?'' Victoria demanded firmly, her anger rising.
The silence in the room and turning of heads indicated all that Victoria feared.
''Well, a regency will not be enabled until Lord Melbourne is back to full health, I assume?''
''Depending on Lord Melbourne's health, the decision could fall onto Sir Thomas. A decision may need to be made before Melbourne is ready to make one, ma'am.''
Victoria shuddered inwardly. She knew her Uncle and Mama were up to no good. Mama had wanted to be regent before she married. Now her own Uncle. Anger boiled within her blood. ''I can assure you all that whilst I am still breathing, I shall not accept a regency without clear evidence to support that the government requires one. I have heard many things over recent weeks about people. But i try not to let that change or shape my opinion of them. . Perhaps you should do the same, My Lords. My Uncle Leopold wishes to cause trouble, that is all.'' She rose, unable to talk further and watched the men all bow before walking off and out of the room as her temper flared.
''She has completely lost it'' Cumberland finally spoke from the back of the room as he approached The Duke. ''She did not even mention that Lord Melbourne is staying here. How ludicrous to think that we do not know what's going on.''
''We don't know what's going on. They have long since been friends. It's just up to us as to whether we let her make her own mistakes, or protect the country from them.'' The Duke dismissed Cumberland with a deep sigh.
''The house is considering appointing a regent.'' Victoria said as she stormed into Lord Melbourne's bedroom. ''I put forward my request for a divorce, they were most unpleasant about it.''
''I suspect they would be ma'am. It has never been done before.'' Lord Melbourne watched the young woman carefully, he was sure steam was falling from her ears.
''I argued their points. But they wanted Albert there, to defend himself. Why would I want that? They hardly listened to me in the first place.''
''No ma'am, but a divorce is a joint request. They may write to Albert and ask for his presence at a meeting now, possibly without you.''
''I do not care how little they think of me as a woman, if they think they can treat a Queen in such a disregarding way, I shall rein hell on them!'' She shouted before huffing.
''Calm down.'' He warned.
''That's not the only thing.'' She seethed waving her finger at him and still pacing the room. ''I overheard Uncle Leopold and mama last night. It was Leopold who sent for Annabelle to visit London and try to push the two of us apart. She was brought here to specifically cause trouble so that Leopold could put me under a regency or push me closer to Albert, I am not entirely sure which one.'' She paused and looked over to the Prime Minister who looked shocked ''I cannot live like this any longer Lord M. I am so tired of doing what everybody says is right, rather than what feels right. My own family have ranked my court with corruption.''
''Have you spoken to Leopold about this?'' Melbourne asked cautiously, rising from his chair.
It was mid afternoon. Their usual visiting time. He had grown used to seeing her since being at the Palace. To see her so irritated was upsetting for him, but not enough to dull the anger he felt for what that rat, Leopold had been up to. He watched Victoria shake her head, looking quite defeated as she answered his question.
His health, according to Sir James had improved a good deal. He was still tired from the journey and struggled to remain awake for long at times. But the features of his personality that Victoria loved so much, were starting to come through again. ''I will have to speak with them.''
''No'' he said firmly, not taking his eyes off her. ''I will speak with The King. Right Now.'' He walked past Victoria with purpose, slaming the book he was holding down on a nearby table.
''What about the regency?'' Victoria asked. ''There is so much to consider at the moment. I am sure the privy council prefer Albert to me.''
He noticed her anxiety. He was anxious for her too, but he could only handle one thing at a time. ''I am sure they will consider your wishes first ma'am.'' He said quietly, eyeing his reflection in the mirror. ''You are the Queen. I believe very soon that I will be back in Office and that will change things further.'' Victoria looked over to her Prime Minister. She had not mentioned how unpleasant Sir Thomas was, she assumed Lord Melbourne had great faith in him. But his fury was clear, as she watched him prepare himself in silence.
He looked over to her and saw the worried expression she wore. For a moment his heart softened and his anger calmed. Walking up to her, he clasped the back of her neck gently as he gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. She looked lost within the trouble that was surrounding them now. Rules be damned. He pulled her in for a kiss.
He felt a hand on either side of his face as she leant forward. The fabric of her clothing was rubbing against his as she matched his feeling. His anger, frustration and… hurt. All reflected back at him with her lips. His teeth grazed at her bottom lip, gently nipping at it and exploring her mouth with his tongue as she gasped. His hand on the back of her neck held her firmly in place before breaking free for air.
''I cannot stand for this.'' He said quietly, cradling her delicate jaw in his hand. ''I must confront your Uncle for the disruption that he has caused to myself, you and Annabelle. His antics have gone on for too long.''
''Be careful.'' Victoria said quietly. ''You have always been so calm and collected Lord M. I have never seen you this way.'' She said looking into his chest rather than his eyes. She knew somehow that he was not going to listen.
The Duchess and Leopold looked up in surprise as Lord Melbourne stormed into the room.
''What the hell are you playing at?'' Melbourne walked up to the King and glared at him.
''I could ask you the same question.'' Leopold replied calmly, eyeing Victoria who had now entered the room.
''Requesting the presence of an old friend into London just to cause The Queen distress? To cause speculation and gain control? You have no right to invade my privacy in such a way.''
''I am sure that your privacy has been invaded in far worse ways over the years Lord Melbourne. I will not be spoken to in this way, you are the Prime Minister.'' Leopold rose in time with the anger in his voice as he looked over to his sister who sat silently in shock.
Lord Melbourne smacked his hand down onto the table with such force that all 3 of the other people in the room jumped in shock. Victoria watched his expression change; she was sure for a moment that he was going to grab her Uncle by his throat. ''You will not tell me how to speak to you, or how to behave. You are not my King. You do not rule this country. I have no reason to listen to someone as small as you. I run government. Not Sir Thomas, who I am sure you have been filling full of rubbish. The Tories are not in power, my party is. And whilst I have air in my lungs and am standing as Prime Minister, I will never let your opinion of our Queen change anything.'' He spat.
''You're awfully protective of her.'' Leopold continued less confidently, tilting his head upwards in a bid to retain his dignity.
''I think I ought to be. It turns out that very few people in this Palace want what is best for The Queen. Only what is best for themselves.''
''You should be very careful about what you say, Lord Melbourne. Your behavior and actions have not gone unnoticed. Your reputation alone is enough to damage Victoria's.''
''I have been biting my tongue for a long time, trust me, but it doesn't do any good. You're still the same power-hungry old King that you were when you forced Her Majesty to marry Albert. I have spent many years trying to prove to people that I am more than a few words on a newspaper, or whispers in a corridor. But I have long since grown tired of such tasks. It doesn't matter how well one person follows the rules, if there is somebody else willing to break them, then the blame is always passed on.''
Lord Melbourne walked right up to the King and hovered over him, noticing the look of unease in the old man's eyes, he lowered his voice. ''I strongly advise you to keep out of my way. I will not be pushed much further… Sir.'' He spat.
Melbourne turned and faced Victoria, walking towards her in a bid to leave.
''Victoria'' Leopold spoke out, stopping the Prime Minister in his tracks. ''Do you intend to let Lord Melbourne talk to me in this way? He is a guest, receiving what I assume is free medical care. I am your family. Who is more important?''
Victoria, like The Duchess, had remained quiet for the entire time. Her eyes flickered from Lord Melbourne's to Leopold's before settling on The Duchess. ''No.'' She spoke finally, walking forward. ''He will not speak to you like that again, Uncle.''
Biting back his anger at the King's smug looking smile he turned to leave. ''Because you will no longer be welcome at the Palace.'' She finished.
His smile was lost, and Lord Melbourne found he had to bite back his own smugness then. ''You mean to tell me that you are siding with your Prime Minister? Over your own flesh and blood?'' He shouted, far louder to her than he had done Melbourne, and slammed a book down onto the table. ''You really have gone too far; I shall be glad when someone of a sound mind is ruling this country.''
''Don't you dare'' She seethed. ''Don't you dare!'' Came her voice again but this time as a full-scale shout. ''You will not talk to me, or any of my friends like that. I know the damage you have caused, the conflict, the lies, the doubt, the tense air between everyone. This is my home, my life, and I shall live it however I feel suitable WITH whoever I feel suitable. I may have to act on duty, and be sensible as a Queen. But I shall not behave so under order behind closed doors. Now, I want you gone. Mama can stay. But if you argue, then she is to go to. I shall leave Albert for now, but you have no place here anymore Uncle. If you want what is best for Albert, than you shall leave.''
Victoria turned, not looking at Lord Melbourne, or her mother, before strolling from the room, her rosy cheeks and stern gaze indicated her anger. Lord Melbourne followed her.
It was boiling over, and something had to give. He did not regret his words to that wretched man. But he feared perhaps Victoria would, if the papers, or the house got hold of her actions. But for now…
He walked beside her, meeting her stride. ''Come on'' he said quietly, nudging her elbow with his hand. He intended to act on his courage.
''Where are we going?'' Victoria asked, confused.
''To do something that I should have done a long time ago.'' He said, with a glint in his eye.
Everybody loves a bit of drama! I hope you all enjoy this chapter, what will happen next? Make my working week bearable and please leave your thoughts below. Till the next time!