If marriage is a political game, that game is starting to feel like a 19th-century version ofThe Bachelorette.
But what if Victoria doesnt like the rules?
Probably being told that she couldnt.
Credit: ITV
She is now, Leo.
But some relationships just arent meant to be.
Melbourne admits as much when he dances with Victoria at a costume ball.
She comes dressed as Elizabeth I.
He dresses as the Earl of Leicester, Elizabeths companion.
Like Melbourne, Leicester lost his wife.
He really does elide a syllable in whatever.
Someones getting into character.
If Shakespeare over here is out of the picture, Victoria does have other options.
Cumberland keeps pushing for Prince George, who bickers with the Grand Duke at public events.
The queen is more baffled than charmed by their antics.
No rose for Prince George.
He cant even remember her name.
Victoria resists; she met him once and found him boring.
(He didnt smile, he didnt dance, and he fell asleep at half past nine.)
The fact that Sir John is on Team Albert probably doesnt help.
The queen has been busy lately.
Mrs. Jenkins agrees; her nephew is one of the men about to die.
Empowered, Victoria marches up to Sir John and the Duchess in the garden.
It would almost be harsh, if I liked him at all.
Does he have a heart, or is this just another power play?
Whatever his motives, at least hell be out of Victorias hair.
And hes right: Her relationship with her mother is better when hes gone.
Victoria raises her mothers allowance (!)
and brings her a gift, then cries on her shoulder.
Shes worried shell never be happy.
Shed rather be alone with him than marry anyone else.
