Victoria

LINNEY: This is "Masterpiece."

VICTORIA: I am not a woman.

I am a queen.

MAN: Your Majesty.

(crowd shouting) ALBERT: I see no reason to trouble the queen.

VICTORIA: There are so many things I've never been taught.

The one man I thought I could trust has deceived me.

DUCHESS OF KENT: Victoria is a tempest.

(glass shatters) MELBOURNE: Jealousy is the most tedious emotion.

You are the sovereign, ma'am.

Whatever trials you may endure, nothing will ever change that.

LINNEY: "Victoria," beginning tonight Gloriana Hallelujah Gloriana Hallelujah Gloriana, hallelujah Hallelujah.

(water running) (fire crackling) (breath shivering, wind whipping) (baby fussing) (baby continues to fuss) (door opens, dog barks) (panting) PEEL: Elphinstone has given the order to retreat, duke.

They should reach Jalalabad within a month.

WELLINGTON: In January?

The weather will be closing in.

Through the Khyber Pass, they'll be single file in places.

Damned easy to ambush.

PEEL: I'm afraid there is no alternative.

Elphinstone believes the Kabul garrison to be indefensible.

He has no choice, sir.

They have been guaranteed safe passage.

WELLINGTON: I wouldn't put my faith in Afghan promises.

ALBERT: Thank you, gentlemen.

I see no reason to trouble the queen with this.

I do not want to distress her at this delicate time.

FOOTMAN: Ma'am.

(jostling, Victoria gasps) (sighs): This is ridiculous.

(huffs) DUCHESS: Drina, it is too dangerous-- please!

I may have had a baby, but I'm quite capable of walking down the stairs.

(footsteps approaching) (sighs) Victoria.

Is this wise, to be out of bed?

Sir James said at least a month.

This is what I'm telling her, Albert, but she doesn't listen to me.

I'm not going to stay in that chair for a moment longer.

ALL: Your Majesty.

The queen has decided to resume her duties.

Already?

This is quite improper, it's reckless...

Please keep your opinions to yourself, Penge.

Her Majesty says that she would like mutton chops for her lunch and a pineapple ice.

Pineapple ice indeed.

I am no magician.

(imitating Scottish accent): And you are nae chef, neither.

Back to work, everyone.

If the queen is out of bed, there is no excuse for dawdling.

Chop, chop!

(sighs) Oh, Albert, let's go out.

Let's go out into the fresh air.

I want to go riding.

ALBERT: Riding... are you sure?

Yes, of course I'm sure.

(clears throat): Forgive me, ma'am.

I am afraid it will be most irregular for you to appear in public before you have been churched.

(laughing lightly): Churched?

(clears throat) Your Majesty, it is customary for a woman who has had a child to be purified in church before she rejoins society.

And you are?

Drummond, ma'am.

Sir Robert's private secretary.

Well, Mr. Drummond, I am not a woman.

I am a queen.

Mmm.

(inhales loudly) ARCHBISHOP (voiceover): Almighty God, we give thee humble thanks that thou hast vouchsafed to deliver this woman from the pain and peril of childbirth, and cast out her sin.

The peace and blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, descend upon thee, and remain forever.

Amen.

(bells chiming) What does the archbishop know about the pain and peril of childbirth?

The ignominy of having to kneel in front of that old man as if I had committed some sin, instead of having a baby.

Such a charming ceremony.

I remember how it was after I had you, Victoria.

To be welcomed back into the church after receiving such a gift from God.

God had nothing to do with it.

(horses' hooves pounding) (laughing) (both urging horses, laughing) I won!

I won!

(sighs) I've missed this so much.

Let's go round again.

But I've so much to do.

Go!

(falters): Albert!

Albert, wait!

(footsteps approaching) The baroness is on her way to see you.

(sighs) Once more unto the breach, eh?

(laughs) My money is on you, Miss Skerrett.

It always has been.

You couldn't beat me even with a head start.

Well, perhaps I know how happy it makes you to win, Liebes.

I've missed this, too.

(footsteps approaching) Not now, Lehzen.

ALBERT: Meine kleines Mdchen.

What beautiful blue eyes you have.

All babies have blue eyes, Albert.

(chatter) I think you should come down to the kitchens, Mr. Penge.

Mr. Craddock has struck one of the kitchen maids.

PENGE: Can't you see I'm busy, Brodie?

He has a knife, Mr. Penge.

(woman yelping) You are in deep trouble, my dear.

PENGE: May I remind you, Mr. Craddock, that this is Buckingham Palace, not Bedlam?

You will give me that knife.

It may be a palace upstairs, but down here, it's no better than a rookery.

I caught her red-handed in the pantry with a loaf in her hand.

I was just taking the stale bread for Dash's dinner.

Mr. Francatelli always said just go in there and get it.

But I am not Mr. Francatelli.

Indeed, you are not, Mr. Craddock.

The knife.

Everyone get back to work.

(chatter immediately resumes) (sighs) Ma'am.

I'm so glad you've made a full recovery.

I feel much better now I'm back at work, Lord Alfred.

Confinement does not suit me.

Ma'am, may I ask you to look at my brother Septimus's commission.

It should be on the army list.

Uh, Albert has been doing the boxes in my absence.

I'm sure he would have approved it, though.

Thank you, ma'am-- it's most appreciated.

(birds singing, bells tolling) Sir, dispatch from General Ellenborough.

Thank you.

(Albert whistling) Albert-- there you are.

Do you have the boxes?

Boxes?

Yes.

It seems I have so much to catch up on.

Ah, no, do not worry, Liebes.

I have already gone through them.

I've summarized my findings for you here in this memorandum.

Thank you, my angel, but I should like the boxes to be sent to me, so I can-- I can master the detail.

Of course.

So long as you do not think you will wear yourself out.

I think I can manage.

(whistling) To be honest, Miss Skerrett, I do not think that you're ready for the chief dresser's position.

Why Mrs. Jenkins decided to go back to Wales I will never understand.

Her sister died, leaving six motherless children.

However, I have spoken to the queen, and for some reason she thinks you should replace Mrs. Jenkins.

I hope you will justify Her Majesty's faith in you, Mrs. Skerrett.

But I ain't married, baroness.

Oh, neither was Mrs. Jenkins.

Not to a man, that is.

(door opens) (laughs softly) (door closes) TAILOR: I remembered you dress to the left, sir.

The fit should be nice and snug now.

ALBERT: Thank you.

It fits you perfectly.

I'm glad it has your royal approval.

Where are you going all dressed up?

To inspect my regiment.

The 11th Hussars?

It won't take me long to get ready.

You want to come with me?

It may be your regiment, Albert, but it is my army.

WELLINGTON: It does the men good to see their queen, and Lord knows we need to keep morale high if the rumors from Afghanistan are true.

Has anyone told the queen?

PEEL: The prince still feels there is no need to worry Her Majesty so soon after her confinement.

She looks robust enough to me.

But you're prime minister now, Peel.

(men yelling, horses whinnying, bridles clanging) The uniforms are magnificent.

But are they practical in the field of battle?

The helmets, for example.

The plumes, they are... irrelevant.

But so splendid.

I do not think this uniform is designed for modern warfare.

But I think I would feel brave wearing it.

SOLDIERS (chanting): God save the queen!

God save the queen!

God save the queen!

God save the queen!

I'm glad to see Your Majesty fully recovered.

How fortunate you are to have such an able... substitute.

I try to be of service.

I was wondering, ma'am, if you have come to a decision regarding your ladies?

More than that, Sir Robert.

The new mistress of the robes arrives today.

Oh, and might I inquire as to whom you have chosen?

The duchess of Buccleuch.

PEEL: Have you met her, ma'am?

No.

I have met all your other suggestions, Sir Robert.

She was on your list.

At the very bottom.

I hardly think...

If you will excuse me.

BOTH: Ma'am.

(door opens) (baby burbles) May I, ma'am?

I wanted to see the princess before I go.

I like watching her sleep.

When my children were babies, it was my favorite time, too.

(whispering): Did you like them?

Straight away?

Well...

I was pleased they were healthy.

I would have killed anyone that caused them any harm, but like them?

I think that comes later, ma'am.

Having a baby is a sacrifice as well as a blessing.

(sighs) I will miss you, Harriet.

But you must come to the christening.

You're so good with my Coburg in-laws.

(knocking) Your carriage is here, Harriet.

Till the christening, then.

PENGE: Your Majesty, The duchess of Buccleuch and the Honorable Wilhelmina Coke.

Your Majesty.

Welcome to Buckingham Palace, duchess.

Oh, I have been here before, ma'am.

Serving Queen Adelaide.

Such a great lady.

May I introduce my niece, Wilhelmina, as your maid of honor.

Keep your back straight.

Madam.

Oh!

May I show you and Miss Coke to your apartments, duchess?

I expect you remember the palace from before, duchess.

In my day, it was only a house.

But at least it was clean.

(fire crackling) (clock chiming) My valet tells me that your new mistress of the robes does not like her rooms.

Why aren't we going to the commissioning of HMS Trafalgar?

I went through those boxes this morning.

I know, Albert, but it is a very good thing I did.

You forgot to put Septimus Paget on the list of new commissions.

I did not forget; I did not find him suitable.

But he is quite charming, like all his family.

Lord M. always says, "Every officers' mess needs a Paget."

Well, if Lord Melbourne understood that charm's not the most important trait in a soldier, then perhaps we would not be retreating from Kabul.

Retreating from Kabul?

Well, why didn't you tell me?

I, I did not want to alarm you.

Not alarm me?

Albert.

They'll be going through the Khyber Pass in winter.

You know about the Khyber Pass?

Of course I know about the Khyber Pass.

Well, it is no reason for concern, Victoria.

It's only a strategic redeployment.

Really?

They are my soldiers, Albert.

I need to know these things.

And what's more, you have no right to keep it from me.

Forgive me.

I was only trying to make your life easier.

Is that what you were doing?

You and Robert Peel.

You always seem very cozy together.

We have many common interests.

You know, he appreciates my ideas for reforming the army.

For improving the uniform.

He also agrees that an officer should only be promoted on grounds of merit alone, and he was most complimentary about my helmet designs.

I don't give a fig about your helmets.

Where are you going?

To the nursery.

Isn't that where you think I belong?

(ducks quacking, geese honking) (silverware clinking) Have you read "The Old Curiosity Shop" by Mr. Dickens, ma'am?

I believe it is much admired.

I have just got to the death of Little Nell.

Oh, it is so poignant, ma'am.

I thought I would never stop crying.

(sighs) BUCCLEUCH: Crying over a book.

I've never heard such a thing.

In my day, no unmarried girl would be allowed to read novels.

(door opens) I thought you might like to see the princess, Majesty.

(baby fussing) (baby giggling) Oh, Lehzen, look-- she's smiling at me.

Wind, more likely.

(baby crying) I think the princess should go back to the nursery.

(crying continues) BUCCLEUCH: Is the baroness to be in charge of the nursery?

Only I wonder if the heir to the throne should be entrusted to a foreigner.

Baroness Lehzen has looked after me since I was five years old.

I see, ma'am.

You had better sit next to me, Mrs. Skerrett.

I'm married to the job now, Brodie.

PENGE: Well, let's hope you prove more faithful than your predecessor.

Mrs. Jenkins did the right thing, as well you know, Mr. Penge.

Hmmph.

I miss her, too, you know.

You will be looking for an assistant, I suppose.

I suppose I will.

My niece is a very promising young woman, very deft with a needle.

I'm sure the baroness will have ideas.

Even the baroness can make mistakes.

From time to time.

Good afternoon, Lord Alfred.

Your Majesty.

I wanted to tell you that your brother's commission has gone through.

Oh, I cannot thank you enough, ma'am.

Septimus is quite my favorite brother.

I'm sure he will do very well.

Tell me, have you seen the prince?

Why, yes, ma'am, I passed him just now talking to the prime minister.

PEEL (softly): Ambushed at Gandamak, according to the latest dispatch.

(Victoria clears throat) Good afternoon, Your Majesty.

I'm sorry to interrupt you.

I do wonder what it is you're discussing so earnestly.

Army reform or... perhaps it is the situation in Afghanistan?

I do have some interest in these matters, Sir Robert.

I'm a soldier's daughter.

The prince and I were discussing the new... sanitation commission, ma'am.

The commissioner, a Mr. Chadwick, has some quite radical thoughts about the London sewers.

Would you care to hear them?

I'm sure Albert will explain it to me later.

Tell me, is there any news from Kabul?

Nothing.

Nothing reliable.

The mails are uncommon slow.

When you do get word, I want to know.

Immediately.

VICTORIA: I hope you don't mind being outside, duke.

A soldier is used to marching in cold weather, ma'am.

I have asked you here because...

I want to know how things are in Afghanistan.

About as bad as they can be, ma'am.

Macnaghten, the envoy, hacked to pieces by Afghans in Kabul.

And that fool Elphinstone, instead of getting the hell out of there, dithered until the snows came in.

4,000 men we had in Kabul.

Let's hope they get home safely.

It sounds like a defeat.

(sighs) No one wants to call it that, but yes, ma'am, that's what it is.

Afghanistan is a wretched, godforsaken place.

Nothing but rocks and sand and tribesmen who fight like tigers.

We should have left well alone.

Thank you, duke.

For being so candid with me.

It's an old man's privilege.

And you should know the worst.

If the army don't make it back, the country will look to you, ma'am, for direction.

I will be ready, duke.

(horse whinnies) No, thank you.

Papa?

Ah, good.

(whistles) (chatter) (whispering): Why didn't you tell me Macnaghten had been hacked to death in Kabul?

Myself and Peel did not think it necessary until we had hard evidence and a plan to retaliate.

How thoughtful of you.

You have no right to decide what I should or should not know.

(sighs) I saw no reason to upset you without the facts, Victoria.

I am the sovereign of this country, Albert.

It is not your decision to make.

PENGE: His Majesty the king of the Belgians, His Grand Ducal Highness the duke of Saxe-Coburg... (dog barking) Eos!

Dash!

PENGE: ...and His Serene Highness Prince Ernest.

LEOPOLD: Oh, my dear Victoria.

How well you look.

Motherhood suits you.

Now you will be distracted by those nursery duties so dear to women's hearts, I hope to help dear Albert with the burden he must be facing.

I am sure he will appreciate your help on the sanitation commission, Uncle, while I attend to affairs of state.

I don't spend all my time in the nursery.

(stammers) Ah... Oh, she has the family chin.

It is a pity she's only a girl, Albert.

but plenty of time, eh?

A fine couple like you.

I expect a grandson by Christmas.

(laughs shortly) She is a delightful baby, and almost as beautiful as her mother.

Thank you for bringing Eos.

He missed you so very much.

I have missed him, too.

(dogs growling, barking) Dash!

(people laughing softly) Harriet was always so good with Dash.

Perhaps it is a Whig talent, ma'am.

EMMA: We have a new mistress of the robes, sir.

So it seems.

What happened to the last one?

She went back to her husband, sir.

(silverware clinking) (clears throat) You know, I'm most surprised by this soup.

What's this?

I believe it is a prune, sir.

ALBERT: A prune?

They put prunes in the soup?

BUCCLEUCH: Cock-a-leekie soup.

A fine Scottish recipe.

My late husband always swore by it when he had an attack of the gout.

ERNEST: So this is not soup but a medicine.

That would explain the taste.

(gasps) DUCHESS: Gott in Himmel.

A cockscomb.

Give it a good chew, ma'am.

Nothing quite like it for women at our time of life.

(clangs) What was the name of our old chef, Lehzen?

Mr. Francatelli, Majesty.

Please tell Mr. Francatelli I would like him to return.

Yes, Majesty.

(Victoria sighs) VICTORIA: Another decision made in my absence.

Has there been some upset?

I detect that all is not well between Victoria and Albert.

ALBERT: Did you have to leave dinner quite so abruptly?

I couldn't bear to sit there for a moment longer.

Evidently!

All I can think about, Albert, is, the one man I thought I could trust-- my husband-- has deceived me.

Deceived?

No, no, no.

There was no deception.

I mere, I merely-- I merely tried to shelter you from something I thought you would find distressing.

I do not need your shelter, Albert.

You have completely undermined me.

Victoria, please.

At least Lord Melbourne treated me as an equal, not as some child to be protected from unpleasantness.

Victoria, do you not understand if Lord Melbourne and Palmerston had not interfered in Afghanistan in the first place, this whole debacle might never have happened?

You know, I think you are tired.

I think your mother was right.

You should have rested for longer.

I am not tired, Albert, I am angry!

Do you know, I think perhaps I should sleep in my own quarters tonight.

Hopefully by the morning, you will have recovered your reason.

(footsteps recede door closes) (fencing foils clashing, echoing) Kinderspiel.

Like gutting the Christmas goose.

I have too many battles to fight.

So.

Victoria?

She has changed so much since the baby.

I do not recognize her.

She's angry with me for not telling her all the truth about the atrocities in Kabul.

But I only wanted to give her time with the baby, a respite from her position.

Perhaps Victoria doesn't like you trying to do her job.

I was only trying to help.

Of course.

But Victoria might think that you are trying... (sighs) ...to control her.

Shall we?

Thank you, Ernst.

(fencing foil scrapes) You know, I think you will make a very good husband one day.

(chuckles): Not much chance of that unless, of course, the duchess of Buccleuch is a widow.

(laughing) Your Majesty.

Sir Robert asked me to give you the army list, ma'am.

In case you wanted to make any more amendments.

Mr. Drummond?

Yes, ma'am?

Is there any news of General Elphinstone's army?

Of my troops?

Not to my knowledge, ma'am.

But if there is news, I want to be the first to know, however bad.

Do you understand, Mr. Drummond?

I do, ma'am.

Drummond.

Ma'am, we should discuss the order of ceremony for the christening.

(clock chiming) I thought that motherhood would make her less difficult, but it has only made her worse.

COBURG: Ah!

Albert should give her another baby, schnell.

My dear brother, there is no need for such coarseness.

But I think I shall not leave immediately after the christening.

I have such a happy knack of pouring oil on troubled waters.

But Victoria is a tempest.

Hmm.

MISS PENGE: I can trim anything, and, of course, I have French, and have lately been studying German.

Well, Miss Penge, these are all very impressive skills.

I am sure that you... Good morning, baroness.

This is Mr. Penge's niece.

Baroness Lehzen.

I have heard so much about you from Uncle Cornelius.

I have to talk to you, Mrs. Skerrett.

I'll be getting along, then.

Baroness.

Mrs. Skerrett.

(sighs) She is very well qualified.

Well, one Penge in the palace is quite enough.

The queen is not happy with the new chef.

Do you know why Mr. Francatelli left?

It was all very sudden.

I have no idea.

But you know where he has gone?

Then I would be grateful, Mrs. Skerrett, if you could tell him that the queen would like him to return.

Oh, no, baroness.

I...

I don't think I'm the best person to...

The queen is relying on you, Mrs. Skerrett.

Good morning, Mr. Francatelli.

You look very well.

You know that Mrs. Jenkins left-- I am chief dresser now.

Did, did you come here to tell me that?

Because, if so, I have a kitchen to run.

No.

I, I came here to ask you... or rather to tell you that the queen would like you to come back.

Back to the palace?

Well, uh, you can tell Her Majesty that I wouldn't come back even if she paid me five times what I'm getting here.

Wait.

That day when you left...

I came to find you, to tell you that...

But I was too late.

Yes, Mrs. Skerrett, you were.

(breath catches) LEOPOLD: An English princess would make all the difference.

In Berlin, Prussia becomes more powerful every year, and it is so important that it develops in the right way.

My daughter is not even 12 weeks old.

I think that when she is of an age to marry, she will have her own ideas.

Young ladies have a mind of their own, it is true, but sometimes their elders know best.

It is entirely possible I won't have any more children and the baby will one day be Victoria II.

COBURG Oh, nonsense.

Albert is my son and he will not neglect his duties.

Papa, please.

I am sure that you and Albert will give your country many princes and princesses.

Actually, Uncle Leopold, what my country needs right now is a queen.

Not a broodmare.

ARCHBISHOP: I commend this child, Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa, to the care of her sponsors.

Who answers for this child?

Dost thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of this world and the carnal desires of the flesh?

LEOPOLD, DUCHESS, WELLINGTON: I do.

(baby fussing) Gloriana, hallelujah ARCHBISHOP: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I baptize this child.

(baby crying) (singing) What a charming piece.

I'm glad you like it.

I composed it myself for the occasion.

You?

Mm.

(laughing, chattering) It is the leaning Tower of London.

Or perhaps it is a tipsy cake, Your Serene Highness.

'Tis a pleasure to see you again, duchess.

May I present my husband, sir?

Your Serene Highness.

The palace is not quite the same without your wife, duke.

My wife is an ornament wherever she is.

If you'll excuse me.

(baby fussing) (groans) This is inedible.

Lehzen, when is Mr. Francatelli coming back?

Unfortunately, ma'am, he does not wish to leave his current position at the Reform Club.

My apologies, Sir Robert.

I thought you would want to know at once.

Excuse me, duke.

You know, ma'am, my eldest brother is on the committee at the Reform.

Lord Alfred, how many brothers do you have?

Oh, seven, ma'am.

I could have a word with William if you'd like.

Please, that would be very kind.

(clears throat): Excuse me, ma'am.

I hate to be the bearer of ill tidings on such a joyous occasion, but there is something I must tell you.

I'm sorry to say that the worst has happened in Afghanistan.

Despite being guaranteed safe passage, the remainder of the column was ambushed near a village called Gandamak and annihilated.

4,000 men left Kabul.

PEEL: There is only one survivor, a Dr. Brydon.

Despite being wounded, he managed to somehow to make it across the border to our garrison in Jalalabad, 50 miles through hostile territory.

He's just arrived in London.

I must see him.

At once.

(sighs) One of the Ghilzais took a swing at me with his blade, but he got the "Blackwood's Magazine" I'd stuffed in my hat instead of my scalp; paper had frozen solid.

Doesn't seem right that I should still be alive when so many decent men are dead.

You have been exceedingly brave, Dr. Brydon.

And I thank you for coming here today.

We all thought about you, ma'am, over there.

My friend, Captain Souter...

He was singing "God Save the Queen" when he... (voice breaking): When he was, uh... (sniffs) I wish he was beside me now.

He would say your picture does not do you justice, ma'am.

DRUMMOND: Another petition came for you this morning, sir.

It's not me they should be writing to.

We had no business being in Afghanistan, and now our brave soldiers have paid the price for their folly of... Melbourne and Palmerston.

Great game indeed.

BUCCLEUCH: I see you have the papers.

A bad day for the country, ma'am.

What a humiliation.

I am quite aware of that, duchess.

(members roaring) SPEAKER: Order!

Order!

Can the prime minister explain to the House how it is that the mighty British Army could be so humiliated at Gandamak?

(gavel banging) I suggest that the real question should be what were the British Army doing in Afghanistan in the first place?

A question the honorable gentleman knows can only be answered by his party.

(members concur) That's right, that's right!

Why were we there?

(members yelling) SPEAKER: Order!

We will try to play this down, of course.

But the country will know we've been defeated.

By tribesmen with barely a dozen muskets between them.

The mighty British Army, defeated by savages.

The army needs to be reformed.

It needs officers of ability, not breeding.

I keep saying that the uniform is impractical.

My designs for the helmet...

This is no time to quibble over helmets, Albert.

We need to do something splendid.

Sir Robert, I read in the order papers that HMS Trafalgar is to be commissioned tomorrow.

I have decided to attend.

Are you sure that's wise, ma'am?

This is a time for the country to lick its wounds, not celebrate a famous victory.

LEOPOLD: I must agree, Victoria.

Now is the time to attend to your family, not to parade yourself in public.

I'm sure you agree, Albert.

I do not think we should celebrate defeat.

And you, duke?

What do you think?

I think you're absolutely right, ma'am.

Trafalgar was a great victory, but it came after a defeat.

We must remind the nation that its army and navy are the best in the world.

Thank you, duke.

Please make the arrangements.

Ma'am.

I will not be able to attend, Victoria.

I have a meeting of the sanitation commission.

As you wish, but I think the fighting spirit of this country is more important than... plumbing.

Oh.

Have you come to tell me you've changed your mind about the plumbers?

(clears throat) From Brocket Hall, ma'am.

Thank you, Penge.

Are you not going to open your letter?

I am in no hurry.

I presume it is Lord Melbourne who has convinced you to make a spectacle of yourself tomorrow, to turn this needless war that he started into something other than a terrible defeat.

Do you really think that?

Yes, I do, of course.

You know, I have tried to be your adviser, Victoria.

But all you have done is ignore and humiliate me.

Would you like to see the letter, Albert?

No, thank you.

Orchid houses.

That's what he's writing about.

It's his hobby, you see, growing orchids.

Just as you enjoy inspecting drains.

Is it so hard for you to believe that I might have made up my own mind?

That I might have my own thoughts about what is right?

Victoria, can you really believe that to write to Lord Melbourne is anything other than foolish?

The Whigs are no longer in office.

To write to him, Victoria, it is unconstitutional.

Albert, I am writing to him as a friend!

Oh, Victoria!

You are not stupid, and yet right now it appears you are not astute enough to realize you are behaving as if you are.

(band playing) (crowd talking and chattering) (band continues) (door opens, crowd gets louder) (chirps) LEHZEN: Your Royal Highness.

I thought you would be with the queen.

As you can see, I am not.

(baby babbling) Her expression, it's as if she knows what I am thinking.

When the queen was a little girl, maybe five years old, she said to me, "I can see "you're missing your home, Lehzen, "and sometimes you want to cry.

But I will make you happy again."

She was so young and yet so wise.

I'd forgotten it.

ANNOUNCER: Her Majesty the Queen.

(wind whipping flags) Today... this becomes my ship.

It is called "Trafalgar," after a great victory, when this country defeated a tyrant who threatened our very existence.

We have our travails now.

For we have suffered a blow in Kabul.

Brave men have perished in the snows of the Khyber Pass.

We mourn their loss.

But as a soldier's daughter, I know this nation has the greatest armed forces in the world.

We will snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

And the spirit of Trafalgar burns as bright now as it has ever done.

(crowd roaring) MAN: God save the queen!

(crowd cheering, shouting for Victoria) (cheering, band playing) WELLINGTON: Nicely done, ma'am.

Nicely done.

You know, Peel, I think little Vicky is doing her country proud.

They know their queen is there when it counts.

(cheering continues) FRANCATELLI: It's disgusting in here, ladies.

Honestly, do you think I could cook in a room like this?

Mr. Francatelli, you came back!

(laughs) These pots and pans are a disgrace, don't you think?

I want them scrubbed so you can see every one of your little pockmarks in 'em.

(crying) Excuse me.

Mrs. Skerrett?

Mmm.

Thank you.

(sniffles) Miss... Cleary, ma'am.

The Chiswick Institute sent me about the junior dresser's position.

(playing Schumann's "Nachtstcke") (music continues) VICTORIA (whispering): I expect she is dreaming of her future husband, the king of Prussia.

Well, that's just the start.

If Uncle Leopold would have his way, we would have a Coburg on every throne in Europe.

I don't want her to be a pawn in some dynastic game.

I want my daughter to be free to marry as I did.

For love.

I'm sorry I was rude about your helmets.

They really are very practical.

But not very splendid.

(laughs) No.

I just want to make things better, you know.

I know you do.

But you must remember this country has a past as well as a future.

Do you think our future might... might involve more of this?

(giggles) (Albert speaking German) (baby cooing) You see?

She understands German already.

She's clever, like her father.

And strong, like her mother.

(baby coos) Oh, Victoria.

I cannot wait to educate our children.

I want them to shine like a beacon of domestic bliss through the London fog.

Children?

Yes, of course.

I would, I would very much like us to fill this nursery.

I think Vicky is quite enough at present.

(fussing) (squeals) Oh, where are you going?

I thought we were going to do the boxes.

Oh, I have arranged to meet with some mathematicians at the Royal Society, but if you want, I could stay and help you.

No, I can manage.

(door closes) Albert.

I want to have a word with you.

With no women around.

(hooves clipping on stones) People are coming to Coburg all the time to visit the birthplace of the king of England, but I cannot even show them the Hall of Giants because the roof is leaking and I cannot afford to mend it.

I am not the king of England, Papa.

Ah, but you are still from Coburg, Albert.

Do you want to feel ashamed of your birthplace?

If you had not spent so much on your... hobbies, I would not need to be.

(softly): Am I disturbing you?

Oh please, forgive me, I know how seriously you take your duties.

Which is why we must talk about the future.

I look forward so much to the time when your nursery is full.

Such possibilities.

But, but now I see in you and Albert a chance to fulfill those possibilities.

You are a true Coburg, my dear, and like all the women in our family, pleasingly fecund.

The country will be in safe hands when you produce a Prince of Wales, and I don't need to tell you how important that is.

No, Uncle.

You don't.

ALBERT: And the machine can carry out these calculations?

BABBAGE: Oh yes, sir.

It's much faster than the human brain.

Lady Lovelace, will you show the prince?

So if you wanted to calculate prime numbers, you set up the cogs here and the machine... (clicking) ...will produce the calculation.

(softly): It's, um...

It's beautiful.

(clicking) There's poetry in it, I think.

The music of the spheres.

(clicking continues) "As the late noted economist, the Reverend Malthus, "has observed, 'The population, when unchecked, increases in a... geometrical ratio.'"

(Dash whimpering) Geometrical... ratio.

(whining) (whining continues) I'm not going to ask him.

Yes, he would know, but I'm not going to ask him.

(barks) Apparently Miss Cleary has had no clean linen since she arrived.

I wondered if you knew why, Mr. Penge?

Do I look like a laundry maid, Mrs. Skerrett?

You look like a man who could hold a grudge.

Me?

But I am sweetness and light itself.

So, Miss Cleary, where do you come from?

The Chiswick Institute, sir.

No, I mean, where do you really come from?

County Cork, sir.

Well, don't let me catch you with a rosary.

The royal palace is no place for papists.

SKERRETT: No, only for godless old curmudgeons, Mr. Penge.

Come along, Miss Cleary.

(footsteps retreating) Yes, it's a complicated matter.

Perhaps I should write to the sultan myself about the preservation of the Holy Land.

The prince had the same notion, ma'am, while you were indisposed.

ALBERT: Please forgive me, I must apologize for my lateness.

I was at the Royal Society.

I went to view Charles Babbage's engine designs.

Oh, I'm delighted you went, sir!

It's a fascinating experiment, is it not?

Indeed.

You know, when Lady Lovelace explained to me that they can use this machine to do the most complicated calculations, I have to admit I could hardly believe that a human had designed this.

A female mathematician?

PEEL: Only one, ma'am, at the Royal Society, but Lady Lovelace, she's an exceptional woman.

The model that they are building, it has so much potential.

PEEL: If Babbage's claims are true, then one day computing machines will be able to do the work of men.

We should do everything that we can to advance their work.

It's so important for the future of this country.

We should have a soiree here at the palace for these remarkable minds.

(Dash barks) What do you think, Sir Robert?

Splendid idea, ma'am.

The crown should be seen to be taking an interest in the scientific life of the nation.

I agree.

Perhaps we should sprinkle some other talents, to leaven the scientists.

Lord Alfred?

Perhaps la Taglioni would dance for us.

Yes, wonderful.

And you could pick the scientists, Mr. Drummond.

With pleasure, ma'am.

(Chopin's Nocturne playing) (piano playing continues) (music stops) You like Chopin, Miss Coke?

Is that what you were playing?

It sounded like moonlight.

Beautiful, but melancholy.

Do you play?

I know enough country dances to keep the company entertained after dinner.

Well, we must try a duet some time.

(playing quick flourish) (giggling) BUCCLEUCH: Wilhelmina?

Why are you loitering?

I...

I was just listening to the music, Aunt.

Chopin.

Who seems to have a most unfortunate effect upon your complexion.

You look like a strawberry.

The queen asked if you could make some of your strawberry tarts for the cultural evening.

She has a particular fancy for them at the moment.

Like that, is it?

(scoffs) All right, then.

The queen is delighted you've come back.

Well, I didn't have much choice, did I?

Lord Alfred's brother told the club committee it was their patriotic duty to send me back to the palace.

Oh.

I am sorry, I didn't realize.

What, that the queen had me dismissed?

By royal command.

Still, it could be worse.

To be the queen's favorite... (chuckles) That's something, I suppose.

I think you're more than that, Mr. Francatelli.

(footsteps receding) (fire crackling) VICTORIA: "Dear Lord M., It's time for you to return to the palace."

Can't you make it any tighter?

Not if you want to breathe, ma'am.

I don't understand.

Your Majesty, is it possible that you are to be blessed again?

(scoffs) Don't be absurd, Lehzen.

I've just had a baby.

(distant, indistinct chatter) CLEARY: Good afternoon, Mr. Drake.

(rushing footsteps) (footsteps receding) MAN: Welcome, my lord.

William!

But I thought...

Yes, so did I.

When I was in government I longed to leave it, but now I must confess I... rather miss being attended to.

(laughs softly) So foolish.

It would appear I possess more vanity than I'd imagined.

Ah, may I present Lady Lovelace and Mr. Charles Babbage.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

I have never met a lady mathematician before.

Neither have I, ma'am.

That's something I plan to rectify in the royal nursery.

You can never start too early, sir.

(whispering): What a striking woman Lady Lovelace is.

It's so important to have a mixture of guests, don't you think?

Ah, is that the famous Lord Melbourne you were so worried about, brother?

You must be of the same age.

But he has kept his looks, though.

You think?

I find him rather... diminished.

(chuckles) Lord M. I'm so glad you could come.

You know how fond I am of cultural improvement, ma'am.

Did you manage to finish your study of St. Chrysostom?

What a good memory you have, sir.

But no, I fear it may be years before I'm finished.

I'm too easily distracted.

Well, perseverance, I find is the key to success.

Yes, I'm sure it is.

DRUMMOND: Your Royal Highness, you're wanted in the ballroom.

Please, excuse me.

Tell me, Lord M., do you find me much changed?

Only for the better, ma'am.

(playing music from "La Sylphide" on piano) (music continues) (quietly): Does she have any friends?

Shh... (music continues) (music ends, applause) May I inquire after the princess, ma'am?

(laughs) She is just like her father.

Only noisier.

A machine solves that for you, that is remarkable!

The prince seems very animated this evening, ma'am.

Is that Lady Lovelace with him?

Yes.

I believe they talk about mathematics together.

Indeed.

Then she takes after her mother, who was such a blue stocking they called her the Princess of the Parallelograms.

This morning we have shown that the analytical engine can calculate pi to 125 places-- or more!

I truly believe, sir...

I think she looks rather pleased with herself.

In that respect she resembles her father.

He always looks as if every room belonged to him.

Her father?

She's Byron's daughter, ma'am.

I thought you knew.

ALBERT: And even the most complicated equations can be calculated this way?

I pray you, in your letters, When you shall these unlucky deeds relate, Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice.

Then must you speak Of one that loved not wisely but too well; Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought, Perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand, Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away richer than all his tribe.

(applause) That was thrilling, Mr. Aldridge, really.

It is a great honor to give you my Othello, Your Majesty.

Mr. Aldridge, may I present a dear friend of mine.

I have never understood why Othello has to smother poor Desdemona.

Well, that's because you've never experienced the green-eyed monster, ma'am.

Jealousy is a most tedious emotion.

Tedious?

EMMA: Oh, I think it is more than that, William.

Please, excuse me.

(indistinct chatter) (piano playing in the background) Prince Ernest.

Wasn't La Taglioni wonderful?

ERNEST: My uncle certainly seems to thinks so.

(indistinct chatter) A Negro playing Othello.

Whatever next?

I, I believe that is how it was written, duchess.

Such a bestial play.

Shakespeare and polite society do not mix.

(indistinct chatter, laughter) Are you all right, ma'am?

You look a little pale.

Quite all right.

(chatter continues) (laughter) If you come this way, I will introduce you... Ah, Victoria, we are just discussing the new analytical engine that Mr. Babbage and Lady Lovelace intend to build.

An engine?

Will it move very fast?

Oh, no, no, it's not that type of engine, Victoria.

It is... What is it?

Thinking machine!

The value of pi, for example, and where exactly did you say you could get that to, Lady Lovelace?

In to the 125th place, sir.

But what sort of pie needs to be divided into 125 pieces?

ALBERT: Oh... Pi is the symbol that mathematicians give to the rational number used to calculate the dimensions of a circle.

LOVELACE: But you could also use it to calculate the area of an apple pie.

(laughing): Pi to make pie.

(laughing) That's very droll.

Or even the circumference of your skirts, ma'am.

(laughter) (polite chuckle) LEOPOLD: Lord Melbourne.

Your Majesty.

How are you enjoying your retirement?

Well, I don't miss the House.

I understand you are in correspondence with my niece.

It's true.

In her last letter she asked me if the duchess of Buccleuch's hair was all her own.

I believe my reply was most invaluable.

There are those who might say it was ill-advised for a monarch to write to a former prime minister.

Well, I might be inclined to agree with them, but one cannot ignore a sovereign, sir.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get back to my library.

Uncle Leopold, is Lord M. leaving?

I think he was feeling tired.

Lord M.!

You're going to leave without saying goodbye?

Well, you were busy, ma'am, and... it's getting late.

You used to be such a night owl.

I used to be a lot of things, ma'am.

I hope you will stay in London.

There are so many things I wish to discuss.

No, no, I, I really must get back to Brocket Hall.

It's orchid season, you know, and I find they're very demanding.

Good night, ma'am.

Good night, Lord M. (Victoria retching, liquid splashing) (coughing) SKERRETT (voiceover): Someone has been in the dressers' room...

Going through the queen's... undergarments.

One of her nightdresses is missing.

No one could have got past the guards.

Unless perhaps Mr. Aldridge has taken a fancy to the queen's underclothes.

(groans) You start letting theatricals into the palace, anything can happen.

(birds chirping, geese honking) (Albert exhaling) ERNEST: Albert?

Papa is asking me for money, did you know?

I want to use my money for good, Ernst.

Not to pay for his vices.

Oh, I think Papa's interest in the young women of Coburg is quite philanthropic.

Well, I think it might be best if he does go back to Coburg.

Did you see the way he was ogling the ballerinas last night?

He cannot help himself.

Do you want me to go back, too?

God, no!

And, of course, there is now no reason for me to misbehave.

(birds chirping) I would give Papa what he wants, Albert.

It's a matter of principle.

Where would we be without our principles?

(ducks quacking, birds chirping) (yawning) (loud creaking, thumping) (gasps) (rattling) Who's there?

(loud crash) Saints preserve us, it's a ghost.

SKERRETT: Oh!

There's a ghost in the dressers' room.

(chuckles) (beads hit floor) I don't think you need to be afraid of ghosts, Miss Cleary, but I wouldn't let Mr. Penge catch you with this.

He doesn't hold with papists.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Skerrett, I should have told you.

No, we're all entitled to our secrets, Miss Cleary.

Ah, the commission into working conditions for children under ten in the mines.

You will see that I have summarized the contents for you here.

I know, but I wanted to read it myself.

(sighing): Those poor children, forced to work naked in the dark.

Really, it's not civilized.

Children of the Whigs were quite happy to live underground.

I'm sure Lord M. would have addressed the situation.

Really?

I'm not so sure.

Lord Melbourne likes to look up.

He does not like to look down at the unfortunate people around him.

And whilst we're on the subject, Victoria, I feel I have to say I do not think it was suitable for you to invite him last night.

He's no longer my prime minister.

That is exactly my point.

Are you jealous he makes me smile?

What on Earth would I have to be jealous about?

I'm merely stating that Lord Melbourne may be retired, but he's nevertheless a Whig, and you're supposed to be above politics.

(scoffing): There is nothing political about it.

I enjoy his company.

Just as you enjoy Lady Lovelace's.

Lady Lovelace is... is a... highly intelligent woman who's doing the most remarkable work.

And what am I, then?

An ignoramus who has to have things summarized by her husband?

It is time for me to depart.

You're going out?

Now?

Yes, it's the annual dinner of the Statistical Society, of which, you know, I am a patron-- I have agreed to give a speech.

I suppose Lady Lovelace will be there.

I have no idea.

Now, if you will excuse me.

I believe that punctuality is the politeness of princes.

Albert.

I don't want you to go to dinner.

Is that a command?

(door opens) (door closes) Where is my brother this evening?

He's gone to a dinner of the Statistical Society.

ERNEST: Well, he's missed a fine mousse.

He likes the music of the spheres.

ERNEST: Father!

What a slave to duty Albert is.

It depends where you think his duty lies, Uncle.

ERNEST: Albert has always had a weakness for numbers.

I had my toy soldiers as a boy, and he had his abacus.

(laughs) (snorts) VICTORIA: Please, continue.

I just need some air, that's all.

Can I get you anything, Majesty?

(crying): Oh, Lehzen, I can't bear it.

(sobbing) I should be pleased, I know, I... Oh, I feel like I'm going to prison.

Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that those of us who believe the future depends on the advancement of scientific discovery, we should support the work of Mr. Charles Babbage and Lady Lovelace.

So let us find the funds to build their new engine and become the leaders of the world in calculation.

(applause) Thank you.

(cheers and applause) Your Royal Highness, if I may?

Of course.

(quietly): The queen is requesting your presence back at the palace.

Excuse me.

Sorry!

Sorry.

Ooh!

Watch it!

Mind where you're going!

Sorry.

(playing Chopin Nocturne) (door opens) (whispering) (piano playing continues) (whispering): The prince is currently too busy.

(whispering): Tell him I insist.

Sorry!

(footsteps approaching rapidly) Your Royal Highness, if I may?

(whispering) (piano playing continues) (stops playing) The prince said to ask you if that was an order, ma'am?

Good night.

Good night, Your Highness.

(knocking) (whimpering) (knocking) Victoria?

Victoria?

BUCCLEUCH: Forgive me, for being late, ma'am, but I did not know that you would be leaving so early.

I don't need you, duchess.

I have Emma, as you see.

But it is usual for the queen to be accompanied by the most senior lady-in-waiting on official business.

I am not on official business.

This is a private visit.

I see.

It is not in the Court Circular?

No.

As you wish, ma'am.

Duchess.

If the prince asks you where I am, tell him I've gone to Brocket Hall.

(door opens) Close the door!

(door closes) You have created your own Eden, Lord M. Yes, it is something of a refuge, ma'am.

What a peculiar-looking plant.

Oh, yes, yes.

It's the Venus fly trap, ma'am.

See the... unsuspecting fly... lands on the leaf.

You see?

Tighter than a poacher's snare.

Why would anything so deadly be named after the goddess of love?

(chuckling): Well, I wonder.

Perhaps you'd, um, allow me to show you my collection.

Albert, there are too many women here for my taste.

Women like that... Papa, if you do not like the scenery, then I suggest you go back to Coburg.

Your Royal Highness.

Duchess.

The queen told me that I should tell you her whereabouts, if you were to ask.

Oh, well, then if I wish to know where the queen is, I will ask you.

I must confess, sir, that I was surprised to learn of her destination.

Well, that would be the difference between you and I, duchess.

Nothing the queen can do will surprise me.

Good day.

I have come to ask your advice.

I am no longer in politics, ma'am.

It would be wrong for me to advise you.

It's not the kind of advice I need.

I want to talk to you about... marriage.

Well, there, too, I'm hardly qualified.

Well, I've come to you nevertheless.

I find myself in a difficult position.

I am a queen... and a wife.

And to be a queen I must rule.

Yet to be a wife... (sighs) ...it seems I must submit.

You are thinking in ways I could not have imagined until now.

(Lovelace chuckles) Mr. Babbage does not like to hear me say this, but I often find the solutions I seek in my dreams.

Stuff and nonsense, Lady Lovelace.

You find your solutions in that excellent brain of yours.

You sound like my mother, Mr. Babbage.

But I know the night brings revelation.

My father was a poet, after all.

I can understand what you mean, I think, Lady Lovelace.

LOVELACE: Then you're an unusual man, if I may say so, sir.

Well, perhaps we are both, um... Oh, how do you say in English?

Hm... Out of kilter?

(chuckles lightly) Ah, duchess.

Just the person I was seeking.

Your Majesty.

I was hoping for an audience with my niece and I know that you are the Cerberus that stands guard over her private sanctum.

You flatter me, sir, but I'm afraid I cannot help you.

The queen has not yet returned from her excursion.

Excursion?

To Brocket Hall.

VICTORIA (voiceover): When I was confined, it, it was a relief to know that Albert would look after the boxes.

Mm.

But now I feel... That he would still like to attend to them?

Oh, I see.

You would rather he did not, I assume?

(sighs) He wants us to have a big family, as does Uncle Leopold, of course.

But I'm afraid, Lord M. Why does Albert want us to have more children?

Well, is it so that I will always be out of the way and he can be king?

Do you remember when you asked for the title of king consort for the prince?

You said that once people got into the way of making kings they would get into the way of unmaking them.

Yes, well, there was another reason.

I did not want you to be overshadowed, ma'am.

Yes, the prince is your husband, but you are the queen.

He thinks he would do it better.

Well, he wouldn't be the first man to underestimate a woman, would he?

(sighs) He's so able.

There are so many things I've never being taught.

Knowledge is not wisdom, ma'am.

You have an instinct for what you must hold onto.

(whispers): I find it hard.

The other evening, when Albert was talking to Lady Lovelace about decimal places, he looked so happy.

Oh, come now.

Such suspicion is beneath you.

Besides, if a man is intent on flirtation, in my experience, he does not tend to resort to mathematics.

(chuckles) (sighing): I have missed you, Lord M. You always know how to make me feel better.

Well, I am glad to hear it.

(sighs) I think I need some air.

Yes, it is very hot in here.

I fear it is more than that.

You're the sovereign, ma'am.

We are your subjects.

Whatever trials you may endure, nothing will ever change that.

Even a royal rat couldn't make off with a truckle of cheddar and the queen's petticoat.

Someone is pilfering, Mr. Penge.

I'll make sure to put an armed sentry outside the larder door, Mr. Francatelli.

(crunch) Uncle.

Is something wrong?

No, not exactly.

But my valet overheard the dressers talking about Victoria's condition.

Victoria?

Why?

Has something happened to her?

No, not exactly, but something will be happening to her, if you understand my meaning.

Oh... That is wonderful.

I must see her!

Victoria is not here.

I believe she went to Brocket Hall.

Is the queen back?

I have some papers for her from the prime minister.

She is.

It's been a very trying day.

This might help.

How well equipped you are.

I never go anywhere without my tinder box.

(chuckles) VICTORIA: I must get out of this corset.

(sighing): I feel like I'm going to burst.

Would you like me to order some new ones, ma'am?

(sighs) Yes.

Yes, I suppose it's time.

(door closes) When were you going to tell me?

Tell you what?

The...

I tried to tell you last night, but you ignored my messages.

Well, you, you should have made it clearer.

Well, you should have come back when I asked.

Instead you left me at home with your father and Uncle Leopold.

So, so you went to, to Brocket Hall.

It seems a long way to go in your condition.

I needed some advice.

Yet your prime minister is here in London.

I did not go there to talk about politics.

Are you so naive that you do not realize that everything you do is political?

And what did you do today, Albert?

I went to the Royal Society.

And are you so naive that you think everything you do there is mathematical?

(sighs) Where are you going?

I need to get out of this corset.

I need to breathe.

DOCTOR: With regular blood lettings, and the diet of beef tea and Brussels biscuits, I feel sure the headache and the weakness on the left side will dissipate.

Ugly brutes, aren't they?

This one looks uncommon, like the honorable member from Bridlington.

Not now, Hunter, can't you see I'm with my new friends?

The letter is from the palace, my lord.

Oh, yes.

Leave it there, would you?

I'll tend to it when I'm ready.

(sighs) (rattling) (screams) Is everything all right?

(whispering): It's the ghost.

Over there!

(cries out) COBURG: I hope this one is a boy.

I would like a grandson.

You mean Drina's with child again?

(inhales) LEOPOLD: I hope, Albert, that in my absence you will be attentive to Victoria.

Are you suggesting that I have neglected her?

No, I, I am saying that Victoria is not one of your problems to be solved by the application of logic.

Your happiness, you and Victoria, means everything to me.

(horse neighing) (footsteps approaching) There you are, Sir Robert.

I was just trying to find New Zealand.

Ah.

Here it is, ma'am, just across from New South Wales.

They used to come under the same jurisdiction, but now New Zealand will be a separate colony.

I know, Sir Robert.

I read the paper while I was waiting.

I was wondering, ma'am, whether you might care to make a visit to the new memorial to Sir Walter Scott in Edinburgh.

I believe it would be very popular.

We will not be going anywhere at present.

I find myself, Sir Robert... in an interesting condition.

Then I hope I may be permitted to congratulate you, ma'am.

"Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow "and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children."

Genesis 3: 16, ma'am.

There are times I wish I had been born a man.

I chased after him, but he disappeared.

He must know his way around.

Do you think we should alert the guards?

And get blamed for having let him in?

With a bit of luck, you will have frightened him off.

Let's keep this a secret.

And tell Mrs. Skerrett and Miss Cleary, mmm?

Mum's the word.

VICTORIA (whispering): Sleep well, my darling.

(footsteps approaching) Excuse me, Your Majesty.

This came for you, ma'am.

By the last post.

(footsteps retreating) MELBOURNE (voiceover): I regret to say, ma'am, that I cannot come to London at the present.

I fear you will disappointed, but I am not the one to help you now.

You must look to the future.

The prince is a man of great understanding.

He knows, I am sure, that his work is to support you, not supplant you.

I know that when you reflect, you will see that you must go forward together.

And as for Lady Lovelace, I suspect you will find she is more scientist than siren.

Please put away your suspicions.

I would wager the contents of my orchid house on the prince's devotion to you alone.

I take such the liberty to preach to you about such things because I know how painful the alternative can be.

(playing gentle piece) (Ernest joins in) (chuckles) I am glad you decided to stay.

I'm sure it must be difficult.

Is it that obvious?

(plays notes) Besides, I am in no hurry to return to Coburg.

(playing earlier tune): Uncle Leopold wants me to get married.

There is no hurry for that.

Marriage is not as easy as it seems.

That is because you have lost the harmony between you.

But if you add just one new note, look how easily it returns.

(playing slow flourish) You just need to find it.

(plays final note) LOVELACE: Your Majesty.

I have come to see the engine.

I will ask Mr. Babbage to show it to you, ma'am.

Alas, my son has just fallen out of a tree and is asking for me.

I apologize, I do not think it is serious, but still...

I did not know you had children.

Three of them.

I think I would have got much further with my work here if I had not been so blessed, but motherhood is not compatible with mathematics.

You don't think it's a woman's destiny to marry and have children?

There are times, ma'am, when...

I wish I had been born a man.

You are not alone in that, Lady Lovelace.

It couldn't have been a ghost, Mr. Penge.

Not unless it had a wheelbarrow.

And since when did ghosts start drinking Madeira?

Madeira?

Hey!

Hey!

Stop!

PENGE: Hey, you!

Come here!

BRODIE: Oy!

Come back here!

PENGE: Stop!

PENGE: Guards!

Guards!

Arrest that boy, he's an intruder!

Oy!

Get that boy!

BUCCLEUCH: What is the meaning of this, guttersnipe?

(panting) That's a nice bit of lace, missus.

(birds chirping) (twig snaps) Do you remember kissing me here before we were married?

(birds chirping) Of course I remember.

Everything was simpler then.

I want to say I'm sorry.

I think I have imagined things... that... were not there.

(bell tolling in distance) I am so happy about the baby.

(sighs) (whispering): I'm happy, too.

Of course I am, Albert, to have your child.

(sighs) It's just, it's... (sighing): It's so soon, it's so soon after Vicky.

Can you imagine what it's like to swell up like a pumpkin and have everyone treat you as an imbecile, just because you've given birth?

It's the Schattenseite of our marriage.

The shadow side.

I understand.

Do you?

Do you, Albert?

I didn't spend all those years in Kensington shut up in a nursery only to be confined into another one.

Victoria...

I do not want to confine you.

I know.

I want to be your wife, Albert, as well as a mother.

I want you.

You have me.

And you will always be my beloved.

Always.

LINNEY: Next time on "Masterpiece"... VICTORIA: I want this ball to be a symbol of how the crown can help the people.

PEEL: This ball of Her Majesty's could not have come at a worse time.

VICTORIA: I have written to Lord M. and received no reply.

I have become something of a hermit of late.

(screaming) You'll be fine, you'll be fine.

Gentlemen... LINNEY: "Victoria," next time on "Masterpiece."

Hallelujah Gloriana LINNEY: Go to our website, listen to our podcast, watch video, and more.

To order this program on Blu-ray or DVD, or the companion book, visit shopPBS.org or call us at 1-800-PLAY-PBS.

Hallelujah, hallelujah