02x09 - Comfort and Joy

Episode transcripts for the TV show "Victoria". Aired August 2016 - May 2019.*
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"Victoria" follows the early life of Queen Victoria, from her accession to the throne at the age of 18 through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.
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02x09 - Comfort and Joy

Post by bunniefuu »

I serve a great white
queen as mighty as you.

I think you would not like to anger her.

Come with me.

I've got you.

You know, you never seem to
practise and yet you play so... well.

I played all the time
when I was a little girl.

As an only child, I...

needed to break the silence.

Although, I must say, your
choice of music is not... erm...

well, it's not very seasonal.

Play one of those English carols.

Christmas is my favourite time of year.

Right.

So...

There.

Lovely. Now, why don't you
go down to the kitchen,

and tell the cook to give you one of
those nice current buns you like so much?

I'll be down in a minute.

It's hard to believe she's the same child.

It has been such a joy to have
a child in the house again.

So...

there will be a tree for
each member of the family

and underneath them
there will be an altar.

And here, in the centre of the room...

we shall have the main tree...

hanging from the ceiling.

I shall choose the trees... Herr Penge,

and as tradition commands, they
must be put up on Christmas Eve.

Victoria, do you know where this,
erm... tradition of the trees...

Where it comes from?

Penge?

Er... no... Sir.

Martin Luther is walking
through the forest at night.

He looks up and sees the wintry
stars sparkling through the branches

and he thinks, "I will take a tree. I
will place the tree inside my house."

Upon it, I will place candles.

That way, my children may look upon this
tree and imagine the stars above Bethlehem

"on the night of the Nativity."

And this year, Victoria...

our children... will do the same.

I hope they know how lucky they are...

to have such a devoted father.

I just don't hold with foreign
ideas at Christmas, Mr Francatelli.

Bringing entire trees within doors.

It ain't Christian. A letter for you, sir.

Thank you.

A kissing bough and a wassail bowl
were quite enough when I was a boy.

Not forgetting the most important thing.

Would that be the Christmas
pudding, Mr Francatelli?

No. Mistletoe.

It seems that my
application for more shares

in a certain Northern railway
company has been successful.

At this rate, this will be the last
Christmas I spend at the Palace.

Next year, I shall be sitting down
to roast goose in my own residence.

Mr Penge, the railway baron.

Times are changing. Capital is spreading
through the land with the railways.

Bringing prosperity to master and servant.

Perhaps you are happy with your lot.

I'm taking my chances.

I may have started out as a hall boy...

but I shall end my days as a gentleman.

And from the Tsar of all the Russias...
six crates of Imperial sturgeon.

From King Louis Philippe of the French,

a set of watercolours of your
visit to the Chateau d'Eu.

From the King and Queen of the
two Sicilies, a pipe of Madeira.

And from a Captain Forbes,

a letter informing you that he has a
gift for you from King Gezo of Dahomey.

Maybe it's a baby elephant.

Tell him to bring whatever it is to the Palace.
- I'll write to him at once, Ma'am.

I've had a letter from the Queen.

The Queen has a nursery full
of children, whereas I...

Please...

help me to do my duty, Mary.

Without it... I am nothing.

Should we try another corset, Ma'am?

Yes.

With every baby, I...
I swell up even more.

I'll be as big as a balloon by Christmas.

Really, it doesn't get any easier.

This is going to be the
first time without...

without Baroness Lehzen, Ma'am?

Victoria, there is a surprise
waiting for you in the music room.

Mama.

Uncle Leopold.

What a surprise.

Drina. I'm so happy to hear your news.

I always knew that you and Albert would
start a dynasty to transform Europe.

Victoria, Albert. May I present
Princess Gertrude from MecklenburgStrelitz.

She happened to be in London and so I
took the liberty of bringing her here.

I don't need to introduce
Ernst. You two are old friends.

I know how happy you
will be to see her again.

Such a beautiful young Madchen?

Do you remember me, Vicky?

Yes. You are the lady who
always makes Mama cross.

Vicky.

What... is... erm...

that?

I thought...

that now Baroness Lehzen has left,

that you might need
another companion, Drina.

God save the Queen.

Not in the Palace.

I am a respectable woman, Mr Francatelli.

You know, I had hoped that Mrs
Francatelli would be the model of virtue.

Go away with you.

You know we can't get married.

I'm called Mrs Skerrett because
I'm married to this job.

- Go on.
- No.

Go along.

Liebes, have you seen this?

It's a card depicting Christmas scenes.

It's so charming, no?

How could you invite my mother
here without asking me first?

Because Christmas is a time when
a family ought to be together.

And it is a time of peace and goodwill.

That's why you invited
Uncle Leopold as well?

Well, if... I can tolerate Leopold
after all that has passed between us,

then surely you can tolerate your mother.

Do you not want our children to...

grow up remembering this
time of year as a magical time?

Yes, of course, Albert. Of course
I want our children to be happy.

My apologies, Ma'am, but
Captain Forbes is here.

Yes. With the present from King Gezo.

Indeed.

Captain Frederick Forbes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

This is Sarah, Ma'am.

Sarah is all that remains of
the Royal House of Egbado.

King Gezo of Dahomey took her family
c*ptive intending to sell them as slaves.

But when he realised that the West
Africa Squadron would not allow this...

he cut their throats instead.

Most fortunately, Sarah had
been forgotten in the carnage

and I was able to save her by saying

that her death would displease
the greatest queen in the world.

Quite right.

King Gezo then said that he would
give Sarah as a gift to you.

As a token of friendship
from one nation to another.

He's giving me a little girl?

His desire to impress you is the only
reason that Sarah is still alive, Ma'am.

Well, I am glad of that.

So am I, Ma'am.

Sarah is...

She's a most delightful girl.

And a very quick learner.

She learnt English on
the voyage over here.

And my wife has already
taught her to read and write.

Well, I cannot accept her
as a gift, of course.

But I think it is only fitting that someone of
royal birth should be asked to stay here...

at the Palace.

Are you sure this is wise?

Sarah is a princess in
her own country, Mama.

What could be a better expression of the
Christmas spirit than by taking in an orphan?

Who has suffered so very much.

I can see you have royal blood, Sarah.

I want you to know that
you are welcome here.

And you will be quite safe.

This is exactly the
tree I have been looking for.

Tall. Straight.

- With many branches.
- Tall, straight and with many branches.

It is just a tree, Albert.
- But I have a particular affinity with this one.

You are taking this very seriously.

Do you remember when we were children

and we had to wait outside
of the Great Hall at Rosenau?

And we would wait for the bell
to ring to allow us to enter.

And when we did, there it stood...

a Christmas tree,

all lit up with candles...

And Mama and Papa standing beside it...

smiling.

Do you know, that is the only memory
I think I have of them together.

It was, as if for one night, at least...

we were a happy family.

And that is what I want
my children to feel.

I want them to know that Christmas
will always be a time of enchantment.

A time where...

everything is...

perfect.

If only a baby could be
delivered like a parcel.

Instead of all of this inconvenience.

I feel like such a lump.

Have you decided what to get
the Prince for Christmas?

Perhaps you should sit
for Herr Winterhalter.

He makes every woman look like a goddess.

I thought that you should
have one of your own.

When I was a little girl, I
took great comfort from my dolls.

Really, Ma'am?

They were my friends.

You see, in those days, I
didn't have any real friends.

I used to play with them for hours.

And pretend they were
my ladiesinwaiting.

I'd like this one.

You'll always have a
friend in your doll, Sarah.

Bringing an African child into the Palace.

I think the Queen must be losing her wits.

Much like her mad grandfather.

Please. Please. Please.
Handle the tree with respect.

I do not want her to
shed her sylvan finery.

Mr Penge, this tree shall be suspended by
its trunk from the centre of the ceiling

and we will have six more
with tables underneath

with presents laid upon them.

Now, may I entrust you
to oversee all of this?

Six tables and this tree
suspended from the ceiling, Sir.

Will that be all?

Perfection. Good day.

- Thank you, Sir.
- Such extravagance.

In my day, we were perfectly
happy with an orange.

Ssh. Aunt!

I am looking for the Duke of Coburg.

I was told by the King that
he would be meeting me here.

I saw him go by a minute ago.

I suppose the Princess
is intended for the Duke.

Poor Harriet. I thought that she
and the Duke might... one day.

How sad to be a widow.

Better a widow than to end one's
days an old maid, Wilhelmina.

Harriet...

- You play beautifully.
- I was playing for my own amusement.

- Please don't look at me like that.
- Very well. I won't look at you at all.

That way we can save the confusion.

There you are, cousin.

I'm looking forward very much to seeing
the Egyptian antiquities at the museum.

Please excuse me.

Lord Alfred is a distinct possibility.

Don't look at me like that. Men like
Lord Alfred make perfectly good husbands.

I know you mean well, Aunt.

But Lord Alfred has given
his heart to someone else.

You've been reading too
many romantic novels.

Men don't give their hearts away.

They merely lend them.

Why, Sarah... there's
nothing to be frightened of.

She won't hurt you.

Let's take them out. Islay, Eos, out!

Drina, this is not sensible.

Now I know you are
trying to be kind but...

She is not happy here.

No, she just needs to get used to us.

I fear you see only what you wish to see.

Albert, what I see is a little girl...

who has narrowly escaped death.

And while I cannot give her back her family, I
know what it is to be overlooked and ignored.

I'll make sure it doesn't happen to her.

Is everything all right
there, Mrs Skerrett? -.

"Please come to our offices
on the 19th at 12 noon."

A fancy lawyer at Lincoln's Inn
knows something to your advantage.

You're going up in the
world like Mr Penge.

Well, as you can see, I have
designed it in the Gothic style.

Emeralds. They are the Queen's birthstone.

Did you know?

And you can have this finished
in time for Christmas Day?

We've been trying to find you
for some time, Miss Harker.

I go by the name of Skerrett now.

It has been most inconvenient.

I am acting on behalf of the
estate of the late Mr Samuel Harker,

your paternal uncle.

I didn't know I had an uncle.

Let alone a paternal one.

Mr Harker moved, as a young man, to America
and amassed a considerable property

in the state of South Carolina.

As he d*ed without issue that property comes
to you as his only surviving relative.

And how much is that property worth?

Of course, any figure I could give you can
only be of the most approximate nature.

A great deal depends on the
fluctuations of the market

and the state of the
property at the time of sale.

But if properly handled,

the sale could realise
something in the region of...

50,000 dollars, which
is about 10,000 pounds.

10,000 pounds?

Approximately.

I take it I have your permission to go
ahead with the sale of the property?

You do have my permission, Mr Flitch.

It may take a little time. I believe the
sl*ve markets are held on a quarterly basis.

sl*ve markets?

How remiss of me. Did I omit to mention
that Mr Harker was a broker in human flesh?

A sl*ve trader. The property
you've inherited is some 20 souls

whose particulars are listed
in this document here.

Nancy.

Erm... So, how did it go?

Well...

an uncle I didn't know I had...

has left me some property...

worth 10,000 pounds.

10,000...

Look... look.

"A select establishment. A hotel that
appeals to the discerning traveller."

It... It could be ours.

I am happy.

Here you are.

With your hair down, Drina?

It is shocking.

Go away, I am asleep.

Then I will talk to you in your dreams.

I believe that is called a nightmare.

I am here to remind you
about the opera tonight.

Princess Gertrude will
be there, of course.

Of course.

Mercury powder.

I see that you take after my poor
unfortunate brother in more ways than one.

He too suffered from the wages of sin.

I feel so much better knowing that I'm
following in my family's tradition.

Only in your father's footsteps, Ernst.

I was always careful to take precautions.

At least now you can stop
badgering me to get married.

I see no reason why your...

indisposition would prevent you

from marrying Princess Gertrude.

Because I could ruin her life.

The children that we might
have could be deformed.

You seem quite healthy despite...
your father's proclivities.

There is no reason why you should not
be perfectly comfortable... together.

Comfortable?

There are worse things in life, Ernst.

Much better to marry a sensible girl
who will not give you any trouble

rather than to... to marry for love.

You had better make yourself presentable.

If I had known the King
of Hanover would be here,

I would have worn my Order
of the Golden Fleece.

It annoys him so. It is the
one decoration that he covets.

Annoying people is your metier, Uncle.

Cumberland is here?

Bravo! Bravo!

Uncle.

Please come in.

Victoria.

Mathilda.

You know each other?

We used to dance together
in your grandfather's time.

You have such a very
good memory, Mathilda.

Do you remember the diamond
necklace my mother used to wear?

- It's one of my favourite pieces.
- And you wear it so very well, if I may say so.

I will call upon you
at the Palace, Victoria.

Auf Wiedersehen.

Mr Penge.

- You know what this means, Brodie?
- I suspect you're going to tell us, Mr Penge.

It means Cornelius
Penge, Esquire. Gentleman.

I wouldn't offer your
resignation here yet.

I heard some of the railway
shares have been... overvalued.

Not the LeedsThirsk Railway.

That will run like a silver
ribbon... across the Pennines.

I've heard of Leeds. But where is Thirsk?

Thirsk is a place of great consequence.

Hence the railway.

Where would I be without your
handkerchiefs, Miss Coke?

The opera was quite overwhelming.

You're very kind.

Kinder than I deserve.

That awful man.

I wonder what he's really doing here?

Most likely just visiting
his family for Christmas.

No, he loathes his family.

And I must say, the feeling is mutual.

I think, perhaps, you are
exaggerating, Victoria.

Albert, he hates me.

He hates me because I'm the girl who
stopped him becoming King of England.

That sounds like Sarah.

I am concerned she may disturb the others.

Well, she just needs time to
settle into the family, that's all.

To the family?

You intend to adopt her?

She has no one else.

I am not sure that that is...

true.

It's all right. It wasn't real.

Ma'am.

I think it was a nightmare.

I just found her wandering around.

Come here.

Come on.

Take my hand. Look, it's all right.

Come on. Come on, Sarah.

Real snow, Bertie.

That's it. One, two, three.

Sarah. Come on, Sarah.

That's it. Squeeze it in your hand.

Let's go, Bertie.

On we go.

Victoria, do you know this? My
mother, she taught me how to skate.

- Do you remember?
- Ja. Ja. I remember.

Perhaps, one day, we could
teach Vicky ourselves.

- Harriet, may I?
- No, thank you.

Are you coming?

Would you like to try skating, Sarah?

No, thank you, Your Majesty.

But it's quite safe. I promise.

Victoria, hurry. We are waiting.

I'm going to stay here with Sarah.

Would you like to build a snowman?

A snowman?

I'll show you.

Wheeeeeee!

Hold tight.

Faster! Faster!

Harriet.

Harriet, are you hurt?

- You did not twist your ankle?
- No, my ankle's fine.

I know you are angry but it...

There's so much I need to explain.

Princess Gertrude is charming and
rich. No explanation necessary.

It's not... Harriet.

Keep adding more and more.

- Your Majesty?
- Yes?

The Duke of Cumberland... Sorry,
the King of Hanover is here.

Well...

you may tell him I'm not at home.

I already did, Ma'am.

But the King said to tell you he isn't
going anywhere without his property.

What property?

Ma'am. He's just through here.

Uncle.

I would apologise for keeping
you waiting except...

I don't remember inviting you.

I have come to retrieve property
which belonged to my mother.

The very handsome diamond
necklace you wore at the opera.

That necklace belongs to me.

I have here a copy of my mother's will.

And I appreciate your
education was somewhat lacking,

but still, you must
understand when it says.

"My private possessions shall be
passed down to my male heirs."

I may not have had a
legal education, Uncle,

but I do know that possession
is ninetenths of the law.

I had so hoped we could resolve
this amicably, Victoria.

It would be such a shame
were it to become public.

That is a risk I am prepared to take.

Duchess, will you show my uncle out?

- He is no longer welcome here.
- And if I refuse to go?

Then I am sure the Duchess would
be happy to entertain you.

- Uncle Cumberland is here.
- Here?

Do you know what he wanted?

I am sure you are about to tell me.

My necklace. He says that in terms of my
grandmother's will, it belongs to him.

Well, I shall take
a look at the wording.

But if it does belong
to the House of Hanover,

I'm sure you'll have to give it back.

So you think I should just hand it over?

Er... that would be the wisest course.

Of course. We mustn't spoil Christmas.

I'll give Cumberland what he wants then
we can all sing carols under the tree.

I see no reason to invite
your uncle for Christmas.

Although I do think the Duchess of
Buccleuch would enjoy his company!

Albert...

can you imagine what it
was like for me as a child?

To see that man and know that his
dearest wish was that I would die?

Mama made me sleep in
her room for 18 years

because she thought he
might try and m*rder me.

And yet, you've survived.

You know, it is... erm... it is...

just a necklace, Victoria.

Aren't you going to try and help me?

I'm sure that you can manage.

I mean, you achieve most things unaided.

Lehzen would have agreed with me.

Of course Lehzen would have agreed.
That was Lehzen's great talent.

No, Albert! No! She understood me!

And you think that I do not?

I see. Erm...

Well, I have learned from experience,
Victoria, it is not beneficial

to discuss things with you
when you are like this.

And I do not... I do not wish to quarrel.

Particularly at this time of year. So I
shall go and supervise the decorations.

It's not good to cry, Your Majesty.

Mrs Forbes told me that crying
does not make things better...

when I'm sad because I miss my mother.

Well, Sarah...

Mrs Forbes is right.

Are you crying because
you miss your mother?

My mother? No.

I'm crying because...

I miss someone who was... er...

like a mother to me.

When I am sad, and Mrs
Forbes says I mustn't cry...

I make this face.

Try it.

Me?

Try it.

Squeeze your eyes tight and stick
your tongue out as far as it can go.

Like...? Like this?

Yes.

Feel better, Your Majesty?

That's good.

Why aren't you in the nursery, Sarah?

I came to see the parrot.

He's reminding me of my home.

Do you remember your home?

I remember my mother.

She used to sing to me.

She'd sing every night
and it put me to sleep.

Mrs Forbes sings too.

She told me I'm musical.

Did she?

I'm sure you are, Sarah.

I'm sure you are.

Your Majesty...

Welcome to the Servants'
Ball, Your Royal Highness.

May I have the honour, Ma'am?

I'd forgotten what a good
dancer you are, Penge.

Any man would be light on his
feet with such a partner, Ma'am.

Do you remember the
Servants' Ball at Kensington?

So charming.

What I remember is that you
allowed me to come downstairs

for ten minutes precisely.

And then I spent the rest of
the evening in the nursery...

with Lehzen.

Don't you have any happy
memories of Kensington?

The regrettable incident yesterday
with the King of Hanover

and the necklace.

I think you should talk to him.

I'm sure there is... erm...
accommodation to be made.

He has a legitimate claim.

Now, if you will excuse me, please, I
have a duty to dance with the dressers.

And no obligation to talk to me? I
wonder why you have asked me here at all.

Well, I invited you
because it is Christmas.

And you are part of this family.

But that does not mean
I wish to speak to you.

You have become quite the Englishman.

- Mr Penge.
- Good evening, Sir.

Will you be dancing the
Polka this evening?

If I can find a similarly radiant
partner, I might just do that, Sir.

Brodie tells me that you too
have caught the railway fever.

I trust that it has been a
profitable affliction for you.

Thank you, Sir.

Enjoy your evening, Mr Penge.

Princess Gertrude is
without a partner, Ernst.

I'm sure Penge will oblige.

Think of Coburg. You
can pay all your debts.

And have enough for other amusements.

I have no wish for "amusements", Uncle.

What I truly care about is right here.

I'm sorry.

Lord Alfred, don't you have a partner?

The maids will be so disappointed
if you don't give them a turn.

I find I'm not so light on
my feet these days, Miss Coke.

Forgive me, Lord Alfred, I'm
going to do something indelicate.

Oy!

Oy!

Everybody dance!


No.

- You have to leave.
- I have to leave?

Now? - Before we do
something that we might regret.

Ernest.

I will regret nothing.

Nothing.

I don't care if you marry her.

I know you don't love her.

It's true... that I have wanted
this since the first moment we met.

But... but...

It is a funny thing. You see,
now that you are here and so...

very available...

I find...

that the prospect is less
appealing than I had imagined.

What?

I must apologise for my inconsistencies.

I have discovered that I only have
interest in the forbidden fruits.

What?

Still up?

I can't sleep.

At least you're not contemplating
the ruin of your life's hopes.

What do you mean?

I did not profit from a railway fever.

The Leeds and Thirsk
Railway Company is no more.

And with it, have gone my savings

and any dream I may have
had of becoming a gentleman.

Well, Mr Penge...

it seems we're in the same boat.

But I... I understood you'd
come into some property.

So I have.

The property consists of 12 men...

seven women and one eightyearold girl
child without any visible blemishes.

That is an invidious legacy.

I just thought I'd sign some
papers and that was that.

They didn't have faces.

Every human being deserves the dignity...

the right to make their own decisions.

Even if they decide on something as stupid

as buying shares in a railway that goes...

nowhere in particular.

We may be servants, Mrs
Skerrett, but we are not slaves.

Good night.

Dear Mrs Forbes, the Queen
has bought me a doll.

She says it will be my friend.

I'm scared when the dogs jump around.

And when the white rain comes.

But don't worry, Mrs
Forbes, I try to be brave.

Just like you told me to be.

But I hope that one day that I can eat
current buns again in the kitchen with you.

Love, Sarah.

My dear Duchess...

Forgive me but...

have you been paying
a visit to my nephew?

You are not the only woman he
has reduced to tears tonight.

Princess Gertrude has decided to
return... to MecklenburgStrelitz.

I wonder if Ernst has
told you of his condition?

- Miss Coke.
- Lord Alfred.

I want to give you something.

You know what the Prince says.
No presents until Christmas Eve.

This is a private present.

Florence Villiers wrote to me

and asked if I would like a
lock of Mr Drummond's hair.

And I feel now that some time
has passed, you would like it.

Miss Coke.

Miss Coke!

Wilhelmina.

- Please don't say you're offended.
- No, I am not offended, Miss Coke. I...

Wilhelmina, I...

I don't think I could have endured
these last few months without you.

- I'm so glad I could help.
- You are a pearl among women, Miss Coke.

You always exaggerate so.

Perhaps.

But I wanted to ask you something.

Wilhelmina...

will you make me the happiest of men?

I promise I'm not exaggerating.

Are you sure?

Quite sure.

But... what about...?

There's more than one kind of love.

Liebes.

Is this not... magnificent?

- Where's Sarah's tree?
- Sarah?

I thought perhaps she
could share with Alice.

- There was no room for another.
- If Vicky and Bertie have their own tree,

Sarah must have one as well.

Sarah will not mind sharing.

Albert, of course she will mind.

She's part of the family now.

Part of the family?

I am not sure it is
quite as simple as that.

Albert, why do you have to be so difficult? If
I say she is part of the family, then she is.

Did it never occur to you that perhaps you
should consult me before making this decision?

Consult you?

It is our family...

Victoria.

We should make these decisions together.

Well, who invited my
mother here for Christmas?

- I... don't remember you consulting me.
- That is not the same.

You think Christmas is
about trees and presents.

Well, I think it's about
showing kindness...

to someone who has nothing.

- Is that what you are doing?
- What do you mean?

I mean...

Sarah may well be a princess but...

- you and her, you are not the same.
- I know that.

No. She has lost...

everything.

Her... her family, her
country, her friends.

Yes, I know that. Why else do you
think I'm offering her a home?

She had a home at the Forbes'.

You know, I think all of this... this...

bringing her to the Palace,

it is an opportunity for
you to show your mother

- how a daughter ought to be treated.
- No. No. No.

It is nothing to do with my mother!

Victoria, I think it has
everything to do with your mother.

This poor girl, she is...

She is just so... so unhappy.

She's miserable and...

- you are blind to it.
- Blind?

You are only... only thinking of yourself.

Manumission?

My dear young lady, do you
understand what that means?

If it means that 20 human beings
will have their freedom, then yes.

But this is a very substantial
legacy you're giving away.

Is there no man who can give you advice?

I don't need a man to tell
me what's right, Mr Flitch.

Ernst.

Are you familiar with
these English carols?

I like them very, very
much. Ernest, please.

No. No. No. No. Do not...

Do not play with those, please.

I had them handmade in Bohemia...

Bohemia?
I do not wish for them to be broken.

Ja. Please.

You see, I knew that would happen.
- Well, you were right, Albert, as always. I apologise.

- Why does everything have to be so difficult?
- It's just a glass bauble.

No. No. Just...

All I want... All I want is for my
children to have the same Christmas

that you and I had as children.

If by that you mean a Christmas where everyone
is miserable but pretending not to be

then I think you are doing splendidly.

- And what does that mean?
- That Christmas you remember so fondly.

Mama and Papa by the tree.

Well, that was the night that Mama left.

Or rather, that was the night
that Papa forced her to go.

No.

No. No. No. They were...
They were... They were happy.

I... I... I... remember.

But what you do not remember is that
Mama's cheeks were shining as she sang

because they were wet with her tears.

You, Albert, are trying to recreate
something that never existed.

No. No. No. Not for you. Perhaps.

But, no, it will always be perfect for me.

You see, that is what Mama wanted.

She wanted you and I to be happy. I
will... I will give that to my children.

You want your children to
remember paintedon smiles?

- To believe in something that was not real?
- I want for them to be whole.

You cannot protect them
from everything, Albert.

No one escapes unhappiness. Not even you.

Mama, can we open our presents?

Not now, darling. Tomorrow.

- Where is Sarah?
- Probably in some corner somewhere.

- Have you seen Sarah this morning?
- No, Ma'am.

Maybe she's outside in the snow.

Sarah!

Sarah!

Sarah!

Sarah?

Sarah?

Sarah!

Argh!

Albert! Albert!

Albert! Albert!

Albert!

Albert!

Albert!

Albert!

Albert! Albert!

Albert!

Albert!

Your Majesty.

Look who I found curled up in the
Amber Drawing Room with a parrot.

What's her name?

Aina.

Aina?

Was that your name in your country?

Do you think that Aina...

might like to see Captain Forbes?

Aina would like to see Mrs Forbes.

And do you think that she
might like to stay with them?

No one is to come in here.

Will you not make an exception for me?

I hear you have been skating on thin ice.

I was... er...

rather foolish.

What I said earlier...

it was not kind.

But, you see...

I was angry.

Because I will never have all of this.

After Papa d*ed, I went... to Paris.

Because of that visit, I have an illness.

An illness which means I cannot
marry the woman that I love.

Ernst.

Why did you not tell me?

Because I'm ashamed.

I am supposed to be older and wiser.

Will you ever forgive me?

Nancy.

You know, I hope that if
you'd asked me what to do,

I'd have given you the right answer.

I know you would.

But... erm...

will you give me the right
answer to my question?

What question, Mr Francatelli?

Erm...

Erm...

Will you take a man with nothing
except his pastry brush...

erm...

to have and to hold...
from this day forward?

If you'll take a woman
who's given up a fortune.

They'll dismiss us if they find out.

I don't care.

Neither do I!

I want you... so much... Nancy.

Not as much as I want you... Charles.

I believe she has been
missing you, Mrs Forbes.

Not as much as I've been
missing her, Your Majesty.

I thought I was doing the right thing.

Bringing her to the Palace.

But I can see it's no substitute
for what you can give her.

I will continue to support her, of course.

But I believe Sarah... will
be much happier with you.

Thank you, Ma'am.

Come on, then. Let's go home.

Thank you.

Sarah...

I've given you something
to look after for me.

How peaceful London looks in the snow.

I know about the mercury, Ernest.

Did you really think it
would make any difference?

How could I live with myself... knowing
that I had dragged you down to my level?

- How can you say that?
- This is for your sake.

You and I can never be, Harriet.

But, Ernest, it's all I want.

I just want to be here by your side.

We are starcrossed, my love.

Yes, Albert.

Magical.

We have to wait for the bell
to ring before we can go in.

Listen for the bell. Listen.

It's the bell.

It's Christmas Eve.

Alfred!

It's beautiful. Congratulations,
Lord Alfred and Wilhelmina.

Magnificent.

Where is Sarah?

She has gone to live with
the Captain and Mrs Forbes.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

You know that I tried to always
do my best for you, Drina.

Maybe you did.

Your Majesty... erm...

The King of Hanover is here.

The King of Hanover!

I can't believe he would
come here today of all days.

Why not wait and see what he has to say?

My apologies for
disturbing your festivities.

But I have come to say goodbye.

My dear niece, I have decided that I
have no use for diamonds after all.

You may consider the
necklace a Christmas present.

Good evening.

Please...

Come and sit down.

Room may be made for you here, sir.

I suppose it is you I must
thank for this change of heart.

There is no need to thank me, Albert.

The Duchess of Buccleuch was most helpful.

She told me that the King stays in an apartment
in St James' Palace when he is in London.

An apartment that belongs to The Crown.

Even so...

I would like to thank you.

I have a present.

I designed this myself.

For you.

Albert...

It's exquisite.

Thank you.

I have something for you.

- For me?
- Yes.

You don't like it?

- You think it's too shocking?
- On the contrary.

I have never seen a painting before...

which does you justice.

When I was a girl, I used
to dread this time of year.

I'd be sent upstairs to the nursery alone.

And Lehzen would always arrive
with a huge box of marrons glaces.

It was the only thing I looked forward to.

I know you miss her...

very much.

We are no longer children.

No.

Merry Christmas, my angel.

Merry Christmas, my love.
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