Mrs Brown (1997)

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

Begin on black.  The sound of rain driving into trees.
Something wipes frame and we are suddenly hurtling through
a forest on the shoulders of a wild-eyed, kilted JOHN
BROWN.  Drenched hair streaming, head swivelling left and
right, as he searches the lightening-dark.  A crack to his
left.  He spins round, raises his pistol, smacks past
saplings and plunges on.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

Close-up on BROWN as he bangs against a tree and heaves for
air.  A face in its fifties, mad-fierce eyes, handsome,
bruised lips, liverish.  He goes on searching the dark.
Stops.  Listens through the rain.  A beat.  Thinking he
hears a faint thump in the distance, he swings round and
races on.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

BROWN tears through the trees, pistol raised at full arm's
length, breath coming harder and harder.  But even now
there's a ghost grace, a born hunter's grace.  He leaps
fallen branches, swerves through turns in the path, eyes
forward, never stumbling once.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

BROWN bursts into a clearing, breaks to the centre and
stops.  With his pistol raised, he turns one full slow
circle.  His eyes take in every swerve and kick of the
wildly swaying trees.

There's a crack and a branch snaps behind him.  He spins
round, bellows deep from his heart:

			BROWN
	God save the Queen!!

And fires.

Nothing happens.  The trees go on swaying, the storm goes
on screaming and BROWN just stands there, staring into
empty space.  A pause.

Slowly, he starts to frown as the fact begins to dawn on
him that he is alone.  He stares at the thrashing trees,
waving their mocking arms at him.  His hand lets the pistol
drop to his side.  He feels the rain drench down his face.
And now, for the first time, we see that his socks have
fallen to his ankles and his knees are cut to shreds.  He
shifts a foot.  His dress-shoes are covered in mud.  He
goes on staring into the dark.  Nothing.
Just the wind and rain.  Gradually, we pull back, higher
and higher.  As we do, we hear the quiet cultivated voice:

						FADE TO BLACK.

CAPTION: "1864"

						FADE IN:

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	I have sent for a Mr. John BROWN from
	Balmoral.  Her majesty has mentioned
	him, on one or two occasions, as being
	a most devoted outdoor servant to
	Prince Albert during his last days
	there...

John BROWN is now just a tiny figure dwarfed by the storm.

						CUT TO:

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY

The screen is black.  As the camera pulls back, we discover
that we are looking at a black night-gown.

Queen VICTORIA is sitting at her dressing table, while an
elderly HAIRDRESSER, also in black, works at her hair.

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	... The depths of the Queen's sorrow
	remain impenetrable.  She has now
	restricted herself to a regime of such
	ferocious introspection that we are
	all at our wits' end...

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, PRINCE ALBERT'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY

A bust of the Prince Consort is draped in black.  His desk
is laid out as if for work.  A VALET is brushing one of his
suits before laying it carefully on the bed.

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	... The Household continues, at her
	instruction, to observe the rituals
	now so familiar to her, in a vain
	attempt to render vivid that which can
	never be revived...

Close-up on a small table as a shaving brush is placed
carefully beside a dish of freshly poured water.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY

The hairdresser is pulling VICTORIA's hair back into the
widow's cape.  For the first time, we see her face.  It is
set in a mask of severity.

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	... It will not surprise you to hear
	that she continues steadfast in her
	refusal to accept any public
	engagements, however trivial...

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S BEDCHAMBER - DAY

A bronze cast of Prince Albert's hand hangs above the Royal
bed.  His sleeping-gown is laid out on one side.

A somberly dressed middle-aged man stands by the bed:
DOCTOR JENNER, the Queen's physician.  He is placing
potions and medicaments in a row on the bedside table.

Behind him, TWO MAIDSERVANTS are busy stripping and
remaking the bed while another raises the window to air the
room.

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	... Family and staff expend all their
	efforts endeavouring to draw her out
	of this state of unfettered morbidity,
	but to no avail.  Indeed, Doctor
	Jenner will not undertake to vouchsafe
	her sanity, unless some remedy is
	found...

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA'S DRESSING ROOM - DAY

VICTORIA is turning slowly around as a young ASSISTANT
DRESSER completes the fastening on her black crepe dress.

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	... We must hope, therefore, that this
	Mr Brown will appeal to the Queen's
	sentimental, though deeply-held, view
	that all Highlanders are good for the
	health.  If she can at least be
	persuaded to take the air, the
	prospect of further recovery may seem
	less remote...

The assistant dresser pulls too tightly on her dress.
VICTORIA winces slightly.

			ASSISTANT DRESSER
		(terrified)
	Sorry, ma'am.

EXT. THE SEA FRONT, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY

We glide slowly past the coastline as a caption reads:
"ISLE OF WIGHT. 1864."

A DRIVER stands against the sea front with a horse and cart
bearing the Royal coat of arms.

John BROWN leads his pony along the dockside, towards the
waiting driver.  He is in his late thirties, fit, handsome
and dressed in tartan kilt and short jacket.

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	... He is arriving by boat this
	afternoon, by which time it is hoped
	Her Majesty will be in a fit state to
	consider riding out...

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, PRIVATE SECRETARY'S ROOM - DAY

SIR HENRY PONSONBY, the Queen's Private Secretary, is
sitting at his writing desk, completing a letter.

			PONSONBY (V.O.)
	... As to that decision, along with
	all others, we remain, as ever,
	prisoners of the Queen's grief.
		(beat)
	Ever your devoted husband, Henry.

He folds the letter and slips it into an envelope.  He is a
middle-aged man in a dark mourning suit; tall, Saturnine
and with a civil servant's stoop.  As he looks up, we see a
white-stockinged FOOTMAN standing to attention by the door.
PONSONBY hands the letter to him.

			PONSONBY (CONT'D)
	Windsor.

						CUT TO:

CAPTION: "OSBORNE HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT"

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, CORRIDOR AND QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY

A series of windows are being slammed open by white
stockinged FOOTMEN as members of the ROYAL FAMILY and UPPER
HOUSEHOLD hurry by in silence, all dressed in mourning and
rushing to make the luncheon hour.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY

Queen VICTORIA heads down the empty corridor with two
ladies-in-waiting, LADY ELY and LADY CHURCHILL, hurrying
along a pace behind.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY

Members of the Royal family and upper household hurry into
the icy dining room and take their designated places at the
luncheon table.  Everybody is dressed in mourning and
nobody speaks.  Wind whistles through the open windows.
Silence.

Among the diners we catch our first glimpse of BERTIE, the
Prince of Wales.  He is in his mid-twenties, plump, stiff
dressed and balding.  He stands next to his young wife,
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, who fiddles nervously with her shawl,
trying to keep warm.

As BERTIE smooths down his thinning hair, DOCTOR JENNER
bustles into the dining room, stands himself next to
PONSONBY and proceeds to conduct a hurried conversation
with the Prince of Wales, entirely in whispers.

			JENNER
	Congratulations, Your Royal Highness!

			BERTIE
	Thank you, Doctor.

			JENNER
	A boy, I hear.  Excellent, excellent.

			BERTIE
	Yes.
		(beat)
	Albert Victor.  Eddie for short.  What
	do you think?

			PONSONBY
	A fine choice, sir.

			JENNER
	Excellent!

EXT. DOCKSIDE, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY

JOHN BROWN leads his pony gently up the ramp and into the
carrier bearing the Royal coat of arms.  The DRIVER leans
in.

			DRIVER
	Are you riding up front?

BROWN looks straight at this man, quiet and reserved.

			BROWN
	I'll stay with the pony, thank you.
	She's all the way from Deeside and
	she's not sure she likes you yet.

The DRIVER shrugs and slams the doors on them.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, CORRIDOR AND QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY

VICTORIA reaches the dining room door and takes a deep
breath.  LADY ELY and LADY CHURCHILL stop a pace behind.

			VICTORIA
	How many?

LADY ELY is slightly taken aback.

			LADY ELY
	The Royal Family and senior members of
	the household, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Just them?

			LADY ELY
	Yes, ma'am.

VICTORIA closes her eyes, then steels herself and steps
through the door.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY

Everyone stiffens as VICTORIA walks in.  Acknowledging the
other diners with a quick nod, the Queen takes her place.

She flaps open her napkin and, bang on cue, everyone else
sits and does the same.  The meal is served immediately by
waiting SERVANTS, who plonk the food down without ceremony.

It's a very ordinary meal of meat and vegetables.  VICTORIA
starts eating heartily, straight away.  Everyone does the
same.

Only the clink of cutlery and the same eerie silence.

EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, THE GROUNDS - DAY

The Royal horse-carrier rattles into the grounds and on
down the driveway past the beautiful, manicured lawns
stretching away towards the ornate twin towers of Osborne
House.  A few outdoor servants watch its progress
curiously.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S DINING ROOM - DAY

The silence continues as VICTORIA finishes her plain
pudding.  Immediately, servants appear at every place and
whip away the pudding bowls whether their owners have
finished or not.  Nobody thinks this odd; it is part of the
routine.  DOCTOR JENNER clears his throat.

			JENNER
	We're expecting Brown this afternoon,
	ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Whom?

A beat.  VICTORIA takes a sip of water, dabs her mouth with
her napkin and rises.  Everyone else rises too.  Suddenly,
the Queen turns to Bertie's nervous wife, PRINCESS
ALEXANDRA, and proclaims abruptly:

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	That's a very pretty shawl you are
	wearing, Alex.  Silk suits you well.
		(beat)
	But you are not eating enough.  One
	must not let vanity overrule one's
	appetite.

			PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
	Yes, ma'am.

VICTORIA nods earnestly.  Lost to the effect her words have
had, she marches out again.  Behind her, she leaves
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA feeling humiliated and crestfallen in
front of all the others.  BERTIE takes her hand and
squeezes tight, trying awkwardly to console.

EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE - DAY

The horse-carrier pulls up outside the servant's entrance
and the DRIVER opens the doors.

JOHN BROWN pulls out a watch from his waistcoat and checks
the time.  His eyes narrow critically.

			BROWN
	I was due at a quarter past one.
		(beat)
	You're late.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, CORRIDOR - DAY

A few minutes later, JOHN BROWN strides down the long
corridor with PONSONBY at his side.  Their journey takes
them down an endless series of corridors, past servants and
householders hurrying about their duties.  The presence of
the dead Albert is felt all around in the black-wreathed
portraits and busts that crop up along the way.

BROWN and PONSONBY could not be more contrasted.

			PONSONBY
		(in low tones)
	Her Majesty's routine at Osborne House
	is not as you will remember it.  The
	Household remains in full mourning and
	no-one is permitted to raise their
	voice under any circumstances
	whatsoever.  As for the Queen's
	routine, she breakfasts at nine
	thirty, lunches at two,takes tea at
	five thirty and dinner at eight forty
	five.  No one is allowed to leave the
	building while the Queen is at home.
	On the rare occasions when she is out,
	you may ask permission to leave, but
	only with my consent.
	You're to be ready to walk the pony at
	any time after ten o'clock.  You'll
	clean her outdoor things and do any
	odd jobs as and when she requires.

			BROWN
	How will I know?

			PONSONBY
		(surprised to be interrupted)
	I'm sorry?

			BROWN
	How will I know what she requires?

			PONSONBY
	You'll be sent a message.

			BROWN
	Who'll bring it to me?

			PONSONBY
	Her Highness' Equerry.

			BROWN
	I need a man who knows where I am.

			PONSONBY
	I'm sure it won't be difficult to find
	you.

			BROWN
	That's not good enough.

A beat.

			PONSONBY
	Then we'll have to see what can be
	arranged.

			BROWN
	Aye, do.

PONSONBY stiffens.  A beat.

			PONSONBY
	There is to be no communication with
	other members of the household on
	matters concerning the court except
	through myself or one of the
	Equerries.  No plans must be altered
	unless you are given prior authority
	by myself or a senior member of the
	household.

			BROWN
	I came down at the Queen's request.
	I'll take my orders from her.

			PONSONBY
	In matters concerning the Household, I
	act on her behalf.

BROWN takes the measure of him.

			BROWN
	Do you?

			PONSONBY
	Yes.
		(beat)
	I do.

BROWN glances up the corridor.

			BROWN
	So, is passing wind out of the
	question or do I need permission for
	that?

PONSONBY refuses to acknowledge what he has heard.  They
reach the door of the Royal Chamber and he concludes the
interview.

			PONSONBY
	As I am sure you remember from
	Balmoral, you do not talk while in Her
	Majesty's presence unless Her Majesty
	addresses you directly.

BROWN refuses to answer, so PONSONBY knocks.  After a
moment, the door is opened by LADY ELY who ushers them in.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY

BROWN walks stiffly into the room and stops.  PONSONBY
waits by the door.

			PONSONBY (O.S.)
	Mr Brown, ma'am.

VICTORIA is bent over the desk, working at one of her
numerous red boxes.  She scribbles furiously at a letter,
underlining and accenting words as she goes.  Finally, LADY
ELY steps up to her side and whispers something in her ear.
She carries on working.

BROWN has time to survey the room.  Dominating everything
are the same black-wreathed busts and portraits of Prince
Albert glimpsed in the corridor.

Finally, VICTORIA nods and LADY ELY beckons BROWN forward.
He steps up in front of the desk and waits.  VICTORIA looks
up and BROWN bows deeply.

Silence.

She stares at him for a long moment without apparently
registering who he is.  He towers over her, in bright
tartan, while she sits hunched in her seat, all in black
and knotted with tension.

Finally, she finds her voice.  She sounds nervous and edgy.

			VICTORIA
	Mr Brown.

			BROWN
	Ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	You are here safely.

			BROWN
	Aye, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	You are well?

			BROWN
	I am.

			VICTORIA
	And the pony?

			BROWN
	She's well, too.

VICTORIA blinks at the sight of him.  His presence is
bringing him back.  A beat.

			VICTORIA
	Your family sent cards.  It was much
	appreciated.

			BROWN
	I'm glad of it.

In an effort to control her emotions, VICTORIA now sounds
the same severe note as at lunch.  But BROWN, unlike
others, seems unaffected.

			VICTORIA
	My husband was always very
	complimentary in speaking of you.  He
	would have approved, I am sure, of my
	calling on you in this way.
		(beat)
	I trust it does not inconvenience you
	too much.

			BROWN
	I've no family, ma'am, apart from my
	brothers and sisters.

			VICTORIA
	Yes.
		(beat)
	You have a brother in service here, do
	you not?
		(furrowing her brow)
	I forget his name.

			BROWN
	Archie.

			VICTORIA
	Yes.
		(beat)
	That will be company for you.

			BROWN
	Yes, ma'am.

Silence.  VICTORIA starts to tire.  She takes a sip of
water and spills a little on herself.  Flustered, she
searches for a hanky but cannot find one.  LADY ELY hurries
up with one of her own and the Queen dabs it off.  BROWN
watches all of this with genuine concern.  When VICTORIA
finally looks up, he stares at her in deep sympathy.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	Honest to God, I never thought to see
	you in such a state.  You must miss
	him dreadfully.

VICTORIA stares back in stunned silence.  PONSONBY coughs
involuntarily.  LADY ELY freezes.  A beat.

			VICTORIA
	You do not - he ... get him out.
		(beat)
	Get him out.  Get him out!

Suddenly, BROWN finds himself tugged backwards out of the
room.  LADY ELY rushes up to assist as VICTORIA shouts
herself into a fit of uncontrolled sobbing.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - DAY

Some minutes later, BROWN is angrily unpacking a trunk.
His humiliation expresses itself in the extraordinary
ferocity with which he slams down every object.

His younger brother, ARCHIE, sits on the bed.  He's in his
early thirties, bright, sharp and dressed in the same
distinctive kilt and tweed.

			ARCHIE
		(telling it fast)
	So the day they arrive, she greets the
	Sultan and his family with barely a
	word and then retires to her chamber.
	The Sultan, not used to State
	Occasions without a head of State, is
	standing in the lobby waiting for
	someone to tell him what to do.  But
	the court is under strict instructions
	not to talk in the corridors so nobody
	speaks to him, not a living soul, for
	the whole afternoon.  So now it's
	dinner and everyone's standing round
	the table -- still not a word --
	waiting for Her Majesty to arrive.
	One hour goes by, two, the Sultan's
	getting a wee bit peckish to say the
	least.  So finally, his wee laddy
	breaks for the cold meats and stuffs a
	slice in his mouth.  Well, the uproar
	when she heard.  You'd have thought
	someone had stolen the crown jewels.

BROWN stares back, still pissed off.

			BROWN
	So?

			ARCHIE
	So, there are rules.  Things you do
	and things you don't do.

			BROWN
	I was just telling the woman how I
	feel, for God's sake.

			ARCHIE
	You don't tell Her Majesty how you
	feel.

			BROWN
	I speak as I find, Archie.

			ARCHIE
	Not down south you don't.

BROWN slams a drawer shut.  ARCHIE lets it go and watches
his brother.  A beat.

			ARCHIE (CONT'D)
	So what did Ponsonby do when she
	started shouting?

			BROWN
	I think he nearly ruptured his truss.

A beat, then both men burst out laughing.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, SERVANT'S HALL - DAY

The clatter of voices and banging doors as under servants
hurry about with plates, knives and forks, laying the Upper
Servant's huge table for dinner.  ARCHIE leads BROWN
through this rush of activity.

			BROWN
	How much?

			ARCHIE
	Seventy a year.

			BROWN
	Not bad, not bad.

			ARCHIE
	How about yourself?

			BROWN
	Sixty.

			ARCHIE
		(grinning)
	That's pretty good for a ghillie.

BROWN smiles dryly.  They pour themselves a drink from the
table.

			BROWN
	Prince Leopold?  Is he the one who
	bleeds all day?  So what does his
	valet do?  Wash his poultices for him?

			ARCHIE
	It's better than shovelling horse
	shit.

			BROWN
	If you were looking for promotion, you
	should have picked one of the
	healthier ones.

			ARCHIE
	She's hardly a full hamper herself.

			BROWN
		(beat)
	It's only grief makes her like she is.

			ARCHIE
	Three years, John.  Is that not a bit
	long to be grieving?

			BROWN
	She loved him.

			ARCHIE
	Come on, man.  There's love and
	there's ...

			BROWN
	What?

			ARCHIE
	You know what I mean.

			BROWN
	I'm not sure I do, Archie.

			ARCHIE
	There's love and there's behaving like
	you do because there's nobody to tell
	you not to.

Hold on BROWN.  He lets it go and moves on.  Across the
hall, he spots the pretty ASSISTANT DRESSER watching them.

			BROWN
	Which one of us is she flirting with?

			ARCHIE
	The good-looking one.

			BROWN
	Aye?  Then she's obviously not got
	enough to do.

			ARCHIE
	You work the system right, you could
	ask her yourself.  Just be thankful
	you're not working for Household.  The
	Queen never lets them out of her
	sight.  But wee spats like us can slip
	through the net, easy.

A beat.  BROWN stares straight at him.

			BROWN
	I'm no wee spat, ARCHIE.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER CORRIDOR - MORNING

The next day, VICTORIA and her ladies are hurrying down a
corridor on her way into the dining room.  VICTORIA
suddenly stops and stares out of the windows.  Her
entourage are several steps past her before they realize
what's happened and scurry back to take up their positions
behind.

Now we see what has caught her attention.  BROWN is
standing in the courtyard below, by his pony.  She watches
him for a moment, then without reacting, walks on.

EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Some hours later.  It is now raining.

A gaggle of ROYAL GRANDCHILDREN hurry out of a carriage
from their afternoon recreational while their NANNIES
frantically try to keep them dry under the umbrellas.  John
BROWN stands tall and erect on the gravel while they rush
around him, laughing and giggling.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER CORRIDOR - EVENING

Rain on the window.  VICTORIA is walking in the opposite
direction down the corridor with her entourage.  She stops
at the same place as before.

			VICTORIA
		(as if she had not seem him
		 earlier)
	Who is that?

Lady Ely peers through the rain.

			LADY ELY
	It's Mr Brown, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	What is he doing there?

			LADY ELY
	He appears to be ... standing by his
	horse.

			VICTORIA
	I made no request to go out riding
	today.
		(beat)
	How long has he been there?

			LADY ELY
	I don't know, ma'am.
		(nervously)
	He was observed earlier, I believe.

At this moment, PONSONBY comes down the corridor.

			VICTORIA
	Sir Henry, Mr Brown is standing in the
	courtyard.  I have no wish to go
	riding.

			PONSONBY
	I'm very sorry, ma'am.  I can't
	imagine -- he was certainly given no
	instructions.

			VICTORIA
	Please make sure it does not happen
	again.

			PONSONBY
	Of course, at once.

VICTORIA takes one last look and walks away.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, PRIVATE SECRETARY'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT

Half an hour later, PONSONBY stands at his desk facing
BROWN.

			PONSONBY
	What on earth did you think you were
	doing?

BROWN stares straight back.

			BROWN
	Awaiting my orders.

			PONSONBY
	You do not report for duty unless the
	Queen requests it.  You know that very
	well.

			BROWN
	I didn't come all this way to sit on
	my arse.

			PONSONBY
	You will await your orders like
	everyone else.  Unless you prefer a
	repeat of yesterday's little
	excitement.

			BROWN
	No.

			PONSONBY
	I beg your pardon?

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER CORRIDOR - DAY

The next day.  From a high window, we see PONSONBY
scuttling madly across the courtyard towards the figure of
JOHN BROWN, who is standing exactly as he was the day
before.

VICTORIA watches impassively.

EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, COURTYARD - DAY

PONSONBY stands close to BROWN, shouting in his face.

			PONSONBY
	I thought I made myself perfectly
	clear.  You do not leave your room
	until Her Majesty requests it.

			BROWN
		(eyes straight ahead,
		 shouting back)
	Well, you tell Her Majesty from me, if
	her husband was here now, he'd have
	had her out of that house and getting
	some air in her.  What the hell's the
	point in me being here otherwise?!

From the window above, VICTORIA takes in his words.  A
beat.  PONSONBY collects himself.

			PONSONBY
	Go inside at once.

			BROWN
	Is that the Queen's request?

			PONSONBY
	Yes, it most certainly is!

BROWN turns, grabs the lead rein and leads his horse back
to the stables.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, STABLES - DAY

A few minutes later, BROWN is in the process of stabling
his horse.  Suddenly he turns.

VICTORIA is standing at the far end of the stable with her
entourage.

			VICTORIA
	Mr Brown.

			BROWN
	Yes, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	You have been told repeatedly not to
	stand in the courtyard unless
	requested to do so.

			BROWN
	Yes, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Then why do you persist in doing it?

			BROWN
	Because I think Her Majesty is wrong.
	If ever there was a poor soul who
	needed fresh air, it is her.

A beat.

			VICTORIA
	The Queen will ride out if and when
	she chooses.

			BROWN
	And I intend to be there when she's
	ready.

Silence.  The two of them stare at each other.

EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, THE GROUNDS - DAY

The next day, high and wide over the stunningly manicured
landscape.  Long lawns, wind-cropped copses and in the
distance, the glittering sea.

EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE, THE GROUNDS - DAY

VICTORIA sits side-saddle on a horse.  BROWN leads her in
silence.

EXT. CLIFFTOP - DAY

VICTORIA looks up.

			VICTORIA
	Prince Albert was going to build a
	bench here.  He thought it one of the
	best views in Osborne.

			BROWN
	It's a fine spot, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	He thought so, yes.

She stares ahead.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	In everything I do and everything I
	say, I try to think, as much as
	possible, what he would do, or say, if
	he were here now.  My Private
	Secretary wishes me to return to
	public duties--

She stops abruptly, but BROWN cuts in.

			BROWN
	If Prince Albert were here today, he'd
	tell him a thing or two.

			VICTORIA
	Sir Henry is not alone.  They all wish
	it.
		(beat)
	The same people who refused to grant
	my husband the title of King because
	he was deemed of insufficient rank--

She stops again, cutting quickly back to small-talk.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	It is a fine spot for a bench, is it
	not?

			BROWN
	Aye, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Yes.

A pause.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	I have some letters in the saddle bag.
	I wish to read them.

BROWN walks up to her side, opens the saddle bag and hands
her a bundle of letters held together with ribbon.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	I cannot read them like that.

BROWN undoes the ribbon and tries again.  VICTORIA cuts in.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	You will hand them to me as I require.

BROWN takes off the top letter and hands it to her.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, UPPER SERVANT'S TABLE - NIGHT

The clatter and crush of the Upper Servant's table as UPPER
SERVANTS sit themselves down to dinner while UNDER SERVANTS
prepare to serve soup.

ARCHIE comes in and sits himself somewhere in the middle
next to an empty seat.  A moment later, BROWN strides in.

But instead of sitting at the place beside his brother, he
goes straight to the head of the table and plonks himself
down.  Slowly, the clatter dies away as the whole room
stops and stares at him in silence.  BROWN fixes them with
a look.

An elderly butler steps into the room and stares in
amazement at BROWN.  A smooth young man, BERTIE'S VALET,
hurries up to intercede.

			BERTIE'S VALET
	Mr. Carter, the Head Butler, sits
	there.

			BROWN
	Not now he doesn't.  This is my place.

			BERTIE'S VALET
	By whose authority?

			BROWN
	My own.

A little frisson of oh-my-gawdness.  BERTIE'S VALET stares
icily at him.

			BERTIE'S VALET
	The order of seating at the Upper
	Servant's table is arranged personally
	by the Queen herself.

			BROWN
	That's a tautology lad.
		(unable to stop himself
		 seriously explaining it)
	If you say the Queen arranges
	something, you've no need to say she's
	done it personally.  That's
	understood.

But as far as BERTIE'S VALET is concerned, it isn't.  He
stares down in mute fury, then snaps his fingers at one of
the under servants, who rushes over.  There is a hurried
exchange of whispers before the under servant rushes out.

Unperturbed, BROWN brings out his flask and pours himself a
substantial draft of whiskey.  He turns to the pretty
assistant dresser, sitting to his right.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	Are you dresser to Her Majesty?

She blinks nervously at him.

			ASSISTANT DRESSER
	Assistant, sir, yes.

BROWN tucks into his soup.  Everyone watches and waits.

			BROWN
	What's your name?

			ASSISTANT DRESSER
	Mary Taylor, sir.

			BROWN
	Have I seen you up in Balmoral, Mary?

			ASSISTANT DRESSER
	I hope to go up next year.

			BROWN
	You wouldn't happen to know what the
	Queen's reading for recreation, would
	you, Mary?

The assistant dresser thinks for a moment.

			ASSISTANT DRESSER
	Lord Tennyson, sir?

BROWN nods.  All conversation stops as the under servant
bursts back in.  She halts at the door, looking blankly
from Bertie's valet to the elderly butler.  A beat.  The
old man stiffens and makes his way to the middle of the
table.

BROWN looks up from his soup.

			BROWN
	Am I the only one eating?

With a clatter of spoons, everyone obediently eats.

INT. OSBORNE HOUSE, DRAWING ROOM - DAY

A few days later.  A morning "drawing room."  Standing
round the unlit fireplace are DOCTOR JENNER, LADY ELY, LADY
CHURCHILL, the two LADIES IN WAITING and PRINCESS
ALEXANDRA.  All are dressed against the icy wind that
whistles through the open window where VICTORIA sits
knitting busily while BERTIE stands beside her, coat
buttoned up to the collar.  PONSONBY has stationed himself
opposite, beside a desk piled high with red dispatch boxes.
He runs through the daily itinerary.

			PONSONBY
	Lord Clarendon arrives, by invitation,
	at eleven o'clock, followed at twelve
	by a picnic in the grounds to
	celebrate Princess Alice's birthday.
	Dispatches, as usual, at two.
		(finishes, then coughs)
	The Chancellor writes to say that, by
	happy coincidence, he will be in Cowes
	for the weekend.  He asks if Your
	Majesty might grant him an audience.

			VICTORIA
	Why?

			PONSONBY
	He thought, perhaps, Your Majesty
	might wish to be informed of the
	latest developments in government.

			VICTORIA
	No.  I shall be out walking.

A beat.  BERTIE watches closely now.  PONSONBY coughs
again, nervous.

			PONSONBY
	Then perhaps Your Majesty might
	consider it opportune if the Prince of
	Wales were to meet him on your behalf?

VICTORIA stiffens.  She speaks without turning.

			VICTORIA
	On no account.

PONSONBY gives up.  Politely, but firmly, BERTIE takes up
the reins.

			BERTIE
	Mama, I really do think it's time we
	made ourselves a little more ...
	available.

VICTORIA carries on knitting.

			BERTIE (CONT'D)
	I think we must accept our position in
	the country is not entirely unrelated
	to the continued absence of the
	Monarchy from public life.
		(silence)
	I thought perhaps we might consider a
	small gesture of some kind?

VICTORIA looks up sharply.

			VICTORIA
	Gesture?

			BERTIE
	I thought, a dinner for our
	ambassadors perhaps?

			VICTORIA
		(cutting in firmly)
	No dinners, Bertie.
		(beat)
	Why are you dressed for outdoors?

			BERTIE
	It's so infernally cold in here.

			VICTORIA
	Cold is good--
		(calling across)
	Is that not so, Dr. Jenner?!

			JENNER
	I'm sorry, ma'am?

			VICTORIA
	Cold is good!

			JENNER
	Excellent, ma'am, excellent.
		(trying his hand)
	But perhaps if her Majesty were to
	consider accompanying her new-found
	physical vigor with the benefits of
	mental activity...

			VICTORIA
		(becoming very agitated)
	Why am I being lectured in this way?!

			JENNER
	Forgive me, Your Majesty.  In no way
	did I wish to suggest--

			VICTORIA
		(cutting across him)
	I will not tolerate anybody lecturing
	me about the responsibility of the
	monarchy....

			BERTIE
	Mother....

			VICTORIA
	... Least of all my son.  It was his
	irresponsibility that drove my husband
	to his grave.

An appalled silence.  With great dignity, BERTIE absorbs
the shock of the insult and quietly steers the conversation
in another direction.

			BERTIE
	If it is inconvenient to Her Majesty,
	then perhaps she might consider
	allowing the Prince of Wales to host--

			VICTORIA
	I do believe they send so many boxes
	to taunt me.
	Doctor Jenner writes to them to say
	that my nerves are in an extremely
	fragile state and yet they continue to
	hound me with box after box after box
	after box after box!

Silence.  VICTORIA has crossed to the window and stares out
at the view.  Having recovered her composure, she turns to
address them all.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	I wish to take the Princesses for a
	swim.

For a moment, nobody believes what they have heard.  She
continues.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	The turns I have been taking in the
	grounds have proved most beneficial to
	me, and Brown thinks that salt water
	will do me good.

Bertie stares at her in silence while PONSONBY and DOCTOR
JENNER exchange a worried look.

EXT. PRIVATE BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY

The doors of the Royal bathing-machine swing open and Queen
VICTORIA, in a voluminous swim-dress, sails out like a duck
into the freezing sea.  As she does so, the doors of the
other machines open and Princess Helena and Princess Louise
follow her in.  Dignity does not allow them to shout out,
but their expressions of constipated agony are a picture.

VICTORIA begins swimming around in a vigorous little
circle.

			VICTORIA
	Don't potter, children.  Swim.

Hold for a moment on the princesses' miserable faces.

EXT. OSBORNE HOUSE - DAY

Half an hour later, PONSONBY, DOCTOR JENNER, LADY ELY and
two FOOTMEN watch as BROWN helps VICTORIA up some steps and
onto her horse.  He glances at the stiff line of
householders and mutters curtly to himself.

			BROWN
	You could buy that lot for garden
	ornaments and still see change from
	ten guineas.

The household do not hear this, but QUEEN VICTORIA has
overheard and tries to suppress a smile.
As she settles into the saddle, her foot comes loose.
BROWN fastens it into the stirrups.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	Lift your foot, woman.

Everyone hears this.  VICTORIA obeys.  Taking the reins, he
then walks the QUEEN out of the courtyard.  As they vanish
from site, we hear...

			DISRAELI (O.S.)
	This nation is fortunate in so much as
	it is not governed by force...

						FADE TO BLACK.

CAPTION: "1866"

						FADE IN:

INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT - DAY

The speech continues as we follow the progress of a
Tomahawk cartoon doing the rounds of the Tory back benches
from knee to knee.  It is entitled, "Where is Britannia?"
and shows an empty throne draped with the Royal cloak.

			DISRAELI (O.S.)
	... but by a chain of traditions that
	have been cherished from generation to
	generation, because in them -- in our
	traditions -- are embodied all the
	laws which have enabled us to create
	the greatest empire of modern times...

During the above, the cartoon reaches the front benches and
lands on the knees of the young, earnest STANLEY.  As he
frowns at the picture in front of him, DISRAELI winds up.

			DISRAELI (CONT'D)
	... but, even though we have amassed
	great capital and even though we have
	established an industry with no
	parallel in the world, yet all these
	mighty creations are as nothing
	compared to the invisible customs that
	shape our lives.  To those honorable
	gentlemen of the opposition who seek
	to destroy the essential elements of
	this country, I say let them remember:
	England cannot begin again.

During this peroration, we see DISRAELI for the first time.
He is handsome, obviously Jewish and wire thin, like
Dickens on Slimfast.  He dresses almost dandyishly but
speaks with startling vigor; a combination of brilliance
and cheek that is his key.  To cheers from his back
benchers, he sits.

As he looks up, he catches the eye of his opposite on the
Liberal benches.  GLADSTONE is different in almost every
respect; dour, dogged, heavy-set and tall.  They stare
levelly for a second, then DISRAELI flashes a brilliant
smile.

STANLEY plops the cartoon on his lap.

			STANLEY
	Have you seen this?

INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, LOBBY CORRIDOR - DAY

A few minutes later, DISRAELI and STANLEY are strolling
down the busy lobby corridor.  Throughout their talk, Tory
back-benchers bustle up to pat their hero on the back and
offer their congratulations.

			STANLEY
	Should we take it seriously?

			DISRAELI
	The cartoon or Her Majesty's
	absenteeism?

			STANLEY
	Well, both.

			DISRAELI
	The question is, do we need her?

			STANLEY
	Surely, you're not suggesting we
	dispense--

			DISRAELI
	My dear Stanley, a Prime Minister with
	only a handful of friends must respect
	public opinion.

The pass GLADSTONE in a huddle of cohorts.

			DISRAELI (CONT'D)
	Gossip counts.  Lord Aberdeen was
	right.  This country is not governed
	by wisdom but by talk.
		(beat)
	Granted, it wouldn't take much to
	winkle the old girl out of mourning,
	but if public opinion is against her,
	then it doesn't do to appear too
	close.

			STANLEY
	So?

			DISRAELI
	We'll see which way the wind blows.

DISRAELI sweeps through a prattle of back-benchers.

EXT. PUBLIC BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY

BROWN and ARCHIE crash into the water.  It is freezing.
BROWN braces himself against the icy shallows by bellowing
Burns at the sea.

			BROWN
	My heart's in the Highlands, my heart
	is not here!  My heart's in the
	Highlands a-chasing the deer!  Chasing
	the wild deer and following the roe!
	My heart's in the Highlands wherever I
	go!

ARCHIE is so creased up with laughing, he almost drowns.

EXT. PUBLIC BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT - DAY

A few minutes later, BROWN and ARCHIE hurry back up the
cold beach to rub themselves dry.  BROWN is very energized.

			BROWN
	One box of biscuits, one box of drop
	tablets, one box of pralines, sixteen
	chocolate sponges.  It's the same
	order every week, but does anybody
	bother to check it?  Now she has to
	travel all the way to Balmoral without
	the few luxuries she actually enjoys.

			ARCHIE
	So?  Someone'll send it on ahead.

			BROWN
	Aye, but will they?

			ARCHIE
	John, it's not your problem what she
	eats.

			BROWN
	The woman's surrounded by fools!
		(beat)
	She has to be packed and ready to
	leave by seven thirty tomorrow
	morning.  Knowing that lot, they'll
	still be dressing her at eight.

BROWN takes a nip of whiskey and offers some to his
brother.

			ARCHIE
	She's got an army of people to get her
	up and out.

			BROWN
	But I'm the only one she trusts.

ARCHIE stares at him.  A beat.

			ARCHIE
	She'll blow hot and cold on you, John,
	she always does.  You want to be
	careful.

			BROWN
	I'm on ninety pounds a year plus
	seventy pounds for a pile of tartan
	I'd be wearing anyway.  That's as much
	as a Page of the Back Stairs gets and
	that job's only for toffs.
		(raising his hip flask
		 triumphantly at the sea)
	I'm Her Majesty's Highland Servant!
	Indoors and Out.  There's no stopping
	me now.

EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - NIGHT

A few days later.

The clatter of carriage and horse as the ROYAL PARTY
thunders through gathering dark toward Balmoral Castle.

CAPTION: "BALMORAL"

EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - TWILIGHT

A mass of torches encircle the ROYAL PARTY as kilted
GHILLIES and STAFF swarm round the carriage, opening doors
and clambering off boxes while a regiment of PIPERS play
them in.

Amid this swarm of activity, we glimpse BROWN opening the
door to a smiling VICTORIA as she climbs down, followed by
PRINCESS HELENA and PRINCESS LOUISE.  Emerging from another
carriage come BERTIE and PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, staring grim
faced at the castle.  HENRY PONSONBY and DOCTOR JENNER
alight from their carriage as PONSONBY slips on his gloves
and pinches his nose at the pain of remembrance.

			PONSONBY
	Oh God, not the pipes!

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

The next day.

High over the vast, bleak mountains of Lochnager and Loch
Muick.  VICTORIA and BROWN are riding fast towards the top.
Reaching the summit, VICTORIA points excitedly at the far
horizon.

			VICTORIA
	What are those?

			BROWN
	What?

			VICTORIA
	Those, over there, there.

			BROWN
		(horse chestnut trees...)
	Craobhan-geanmchno-fhiadhaich.

			VICTORIA
		(beat)
	Craobhan-geanmchno...
		(bursts out laughing)
	How can I possibly say that with a
	straight face?!

BROWN lets it go and they ride on.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	I am thinking of publishing my
	"Highland Journals."

			BROWN
	Are they worth reading?

			VICTORIA
		(beat)
	I am told so.

			BROWN
	Who by?

			VICTORIA
	Sir Henry Ponsonby tells me they are
	charming.

			BROWN
	What does he know about the Highlands?

			VICTORIA
	He has been attending at Balmoral for
	many years.

			BROWN
	That doesn't make him an expert.

			VICTORIA
	His remarks were directed at the
	quality of the writing, not its
	subject.

			BROWN
	I don't groom a horse to have it
	admired by others, I groom it because
	it needs grooming.

			VICTORIA
		(curtly)
	I do not do it for others.  But
	Ponsonby thinks they are good.

			BROWN
	Just say what you have to say, woman.
	What other people think shouldn't
	matter to you.

			VICTORIA
		(snapping)
	Of course I shall say what I have to
	say.  I always do.

The stare at each other until BROWN kicks his horse on.

			BROWN
	Aye, well, if all you want is a good
	opinion then he'd be sure to oblige
	you.

			VICTORIA
		(riding alongside)
	What Mr Ponsonby was appreciating was
	their literary merit, a skill not
	intimately associated with the
	knowledge of grooming.
		(beat)
	Literary appreciation does not begin
	and end with Tennyson.

BROWN lowers his head.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
		(in a softer tone)
	I mention you in them.

BROWN says nothing.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	In particular, the occasion when
	Albert was alive; the Royal Carriage
	overturned during a storm and you
	demonstrated such loyal service in
	returning the Queen and the Princesses
	safely to Balmoral.

Taking a sprig of heather from her brooch, VICTORIA holds
it out to him.  A beat.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	For friendship.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY

A few days later, PONSONBY, DOCTOR JENNER and BROWN stand
at the chamber-desk, talking over the Queen's itinerary.

			BROWN
		(briskly)
	She'll be away on Friday between eight
	o'clock and six in the evening to
	visit the Grants in Glasalt.  If she's
	to make the journey there and back in
	the day she's to have no distractions
	the night before.  She'll take a light
	supper alone in her private drawing
	room and retire early.

			PONSONBY
	She'll need to sign dispatches before
	she retires.

			BROWN
	That can wait till the weekend.

			PONSONBY
	There are important papers from --

			BROWN
	It can wait.  Anything else?

			JENNER
	Are you sure Her Majesty is up to such
	a long journey?  She has only just
	recovered from a severe head cold.

			BROWN
	If I thought she wasn't up to it, I
	wouldn't let her go, would I?

BROWN snaps together his papers and walks out, leaving
PONSONBY and DOCTOR JENNER standing lamely at the table.

EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY

The next morning.  The ROYAL FAMILY are picnicking in the
grounds.  VICTORIA walks along a path accompanied on one
side by BROWN, on the other by BERTIE.

BERTIE is in mid-plea.

			BERTIE
	Surely it is for the gentlemen to
	decide when to stop...

			VICTORIA
	It is a disgusting habit, Bertie.  It
	should be discouraged.

			BERTIE
	Yes, but isn't midnight a little
	excessive?

			VICTORIA
	It is quite late enough.

			BERTIE
	But mama, the room was built expressly
	for that purpose.  It has been a
	smoking-room by tradition ever since
	father --

			VICTORIA
		(cutting in angrily)
	Brown's responsibilities are onerous
	enough already.  He has far too much
	to do without having to stay up all
	night waiting for you to go to bed.
	The smoking-room will be closed and
	the lights put out at twelve o'clock.

			BERTIE
	Mama...

			VICTORIA
	And that is my last word on the
	matter.

			BERTIE
	Well, I'm sorry, but I really do think
	it's too much that the gentlemen of
	the house should be dictated to by a
	servant.

			BROWN
	It's the Queen's decision.

			BERTIE
	I beg your pardon?
		(to VICTORIA)
	Mama...?

Before Bertie can continue, BROWN steps right into his
face.

			BROWN
	I think you should go now.
		(beat)
	You've tired your mother enough.

BERTIE stares back, too stunned to speak.  He glances at
his mother, but VICTORIA looks off into the distance as if
she has not heard.  BERTIE turns and storms away.

INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY

JOHN BROWN is standing in the doorway of a small cottage
watching, with amused detachment, as a middle-aged couple,
MR and MRS GRANT, race about their tiny living room, trying
desperately to make it presentable for the Queen's sudden
visit.  They fling open the windows, slosh water on the
fire, tidy up their two grubby BOYS, plump up the cushions,
dump knitting under the sofa and try to smarten themselves
up, all in the space of a few seconds.

			BROWN
	There's really no need for this.

			MRS GRANT
	I'll not have her seeing it like it
	is!
		(beat)
	I know she means well, but I wish
	she'd warn us she was coming.

			BROWN
	She thinks if she warned you, you'd go
	pouring water on the fire and stuffing
	the knitting under the sofa.

			MR GRANT
	Aye, well, you can't stop a wife being
	house-proud.

MRS GRANT surveys the room critically.

			MRS GRANT
	All right.
		(beat)
	Show her in.

EXT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY

VICTORIA sits on a horse and trap.  BROWN steps out and
helps her down.

			BROWN
	They're ready now.

			VICTORIA
	I hope they didn't go to any trouble,
	John.

			BROWN
	Ah, well...

INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY

VICTORIA steps in to be greeted by all four GRANTS in one
military row, smoke still steaming off the fire.  BROWN
stands behind her, barely able to contain himself.  But for
VICTORIA, it is all she's ever known and so she takes it as
perfectly normal.

			VICTORIA
	Mr Grant.  How good it is to see you.

			MR GRANT
		(bowing deeply)
	Your Majesty.

			VICTORIA
	Mrs Grant.  How is your knee?  Has the
	pain eased a little?

			MRS GRANT
		(bobbing in terror)
	Oh not so bad, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Good.  Oh and here are Douglas and
	John.  Haven't you grown?

			MRS GRANT
		(still bobbing away)
	Growing all the time, ma'am.

MR GRANT remembers himself and gestures VICTORIA towards a
chair.

			MR GRANT
	Will you sit, ma'am?

From his place by the wall, BROWN notices how easily she
smiles as she is led to the chair.  She points to a picture
on the wall and her good humour is infectious.

			VICTORIA
	I know that!  That's Cairn Lochan.  We
	picnicked there once, did we not,
	John?

INT. A SOCIETY PARTY, LONDON - DAY

A few days later, a party of ARISTOCRATS, MINISTERS,
DIPLOMATS, ESCORTS, BUSINESSMAN and WHORES.  Into this
brouhaha come DISRAELI, his elderly wife MARY ANNE and the
young STANLEY.  It is all eyes and nods here.  Everyone
knows everyone.

			DISRAELI
	Ah, the greasy pole.

			MARY ANNE
	Don't be facetious, dear. Remember
	your position.

			DISRAELI
	It's my position I'm thinking of.

Across the room, STANLEY spots BERTIE amid a crowd of
acolytes.

			STANLEY
	I see the Prince of Wales is here.

			DISRAELI
	I hope he got his mother's permission.

STANLEY smiles faintly.  DISRAELI homes in on a punter and
raises his hand, already working the room.

			DISRAELI (CONT'D)
	Lord Salisbury!

INT. A SOCIETY PARTY, LONDON - DAY

The society party is hotting up.  STANLEY is deep in
conversation with three SOCIETY LADIES.

			SOCIETY LADY 1
		(ridiculously pleased with
		 herself)
	Why is the Queen penny-wise and pound
	foolish?  Because she looks after the
	Browns and lets the sovereigns take
	care of themselves!

A peal of naughty laughter.  Unseen, DISRAELI steps up.

			DISRAELI
	And in your opinion?  Is she foolish?

The SOCIETY LADY stares blankly back.

			SOCIETY LADY 1
	Well I ... well, I mean to say, it's
	hardly right, is it?

			DISRAELI
	What?

			SOCIETY LADY 1
	Well, the Queen and --
		(appalled whisper)
	Mr Brown.

DISRAELI stares at her steadily, already thinking ahead.

			DISRAELI
	La superstition met le monde entier en
	flammes.

			SOCIETY LADY 2
		(thick as shit)
	I beg your pardon?

			DISRAELI
		(changing tack)
	Has anybody seen this ... Mr Brown?

			STANLEY
	He is her personal servant, I believe.

			SOCIETY LADY 1
		(knowingly)
	Follows her wherever she goes.

			DISRAELI
	He would hardly make a very good
	personal assistant if he did not.

INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY

BROWN stands by a wall, smiling to himself at the sight of
QUEEN VICTORIA struggling to help lay the table while MRS
GRANT nervously prattles on.

			MRS GRANT
	... it's not my best china.  I mean,
	it is my best china now, but the
	family set got stolen last summer.

			VICTORIA
	Oh, I'm so sorry ...

			MRS GRANT
	Of course it was no-one on the Estate.
	More likely one of the lads from
	Braemar.  Or further even.
		(beat)
	I'll fetch the salt.

MRS GRANT scurries away.  VICTORIA immediately holds up the
spoons to BROWN with a questioning look -- above or beside
the plate?  He nods her to the top and she quickly carries
on.

INT. A SOCIETY PARTY, LONDON - DAY

DISRAELI and MARY ANNE stand with BERTIE and his ACOLYTES.

			BERTIE
	Mr Disraeli.  Ma'am.

			DISRAELI
	Your Royal Highness.  What a pleasure
	to see you here.

			BERTIE
	Have you met Mr Lyle?  He's in
	sugar...?

			DISRAELI
	I don't think I've had that pleasure.

DISRAELI shakes hands with the fat sugar tycoon who wobbles
with drink.  MARY ANNE engages him in conversation while
BERTIE turns DISRAELI aside.

			BERTIE
	No doubt you've heard the rumors.

			DISRAELI
	I take no account of gossip, Your
	Highness.

			BERTIE
	My concern is for the reputation of
	the Monarchy.

			DISRAELI
	Of course.

			BERTIE
	I fear the influence he has on her.
	The man's word is not to be credited.
	He is an arriviste of the very lowest
	water.
		(beat)
	She's having a bust cast of him.  In
	Nero Marquino marble.

			DISRAELI
	I see.

			BERTIE
	I would talk to her myself, but she
	won't listen to me.  She must be
	persuaded, by someone she respects, to
	abandon this ridiculous favoritism
	before a situation develops.

			DISRAELI
	A situation?

			BERTIE
	I don't imagine you frequent the
	Republican Clubs.  But the fact that
	neither you nor I are members should
	not blind us to the significance of
	their existence.
		(beat)
	The Tory Party has always been our
	party.

			DISRAELI
	I'm flattered you think so.

			BERTIE
	I tell you, if we don't stick together
	on this, you could find yourself First
	President's Opposition.
		(murdering it)
	Du Royaum Uni.

			DISRAELI
	Quite.

A beat.

			BERTIE
	I don't think we can overstate the
	seriousness of this.

DISRAELI nods and BERTIE walks swiftly back to his party.
The moment he's gone, STANLEY steps up to DISRAELI's side.

			STANLEY
	What did he want?

			DISRAELI
	To know when he'll be king.

INT. ESTATE COTTAGE, BALMORAL - DAY

VICTORIA, BROWN and the GRANTS are eating around a large
table.  Like a wife watching her husband, VICTORIA beams
proudly at BROWN as he tells a story.

			BROWN
	... so Grant here and myself are
	riding over Lochnagar and the rain's
	pouring down in sheets and all we're
	thinking about is getting home for a
	drink, when through the gloom Grant
	spots a couple of poachers.  He gives
	me a shout and we chase them down
	towards the loch until Grant has your
	men up against the stacks and he's
	shouting and cursing at them, "Why are
	you poaching on Royal land?!"  And one
	of the little fellas looks up at him
	and says, "coz we've come up in the
	world."

For a split second, both the GRANTS look petrified, then
BROWN and VICTORIA explode into laughter and the GRANTS
relax.  Suddenly the GRANTS are helpless with laughter too.
Beginning with VICTORIA's glass, BROWN pours out liberal
quantities of whiskey all round.

EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DUSK

Later that night, the courtyard is packed with a gaggle of
worried HOUSEHOLDERS holding lamps.

Through the light, BROWN and VICTORIA clatter into the
courtyard on the horse and trap.  DOCTOR JENNER breaks
through the crowd in a state of high excitement.

			JENNER
	Your Majesty!  Thank goodness you're
	safe!  I'll have a bath prepared
	immediately.  I recommend Macdonald's
	African Embrocation --

			BROWN
		(cutting in)
	Ah, pipe down, man.  The woman's fine.

			VICTORIA
	We stayed a little longer than
	expected with Mr and Mrs Grant.  It
	was most agreeable.

			PONSONBY
	We were expecting you to return by
	six.

			VICTORIA
	And now I am back.

BROWN cannot resist one more little dig.

			BROWN
	We took a nip of whiskey.

			VICTORIA
	To keep out the cold.

			BROWN
	Aye.

VICTORIA smiles and BROWN lifts her off the trap.  Before
walking in she turns and, in front of everyone, says...

			VICTORIA
	Thank you, John.

BROWN bows and the QUEEN walks on.  As she straightens up,
he finds PONSONBY and DOCTOR JENNER staring back at him in
utter disbelief at what she has just said.  He turns and
leads the horse back to the stables.

			JENNER
		(under his breath)
	She's drunk.

PONSONBY doesn't answer.  He is watching BROWN very
closely.

			JENNER (CONT'D)
	A distinct flushing around the cheeks.
	She was drunk, I tell you.

			PONSONBY
	No, she wasn't.

Silence.  JENNER turns to look at PONSONBY.

			JENNER
	Surely not ...

PONSONBY's face is set hard.

			PONSONBY
	Don't even think about it.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, BALLROOM - NIGHT

A crush of kilted GHILLIES as we slam into the height of
the annual Ghillie's Ball.

The whole court is reeling through the dance; all of them
beholding the extraordinary spectacle of QUEEN VICTORIA and
JOHN BROWN dancing together in the middle of the hall.

PONSONBY and JENNER stand by the wall, watching.  Close-up
on PONSONBY'S face as JENNER mutters darkly.

			JENNER
	Pandora's Box ...

With a slam of feet the reel ends, the GHILLIES roar and
BROWN and VICTORIA stand smiling at each other in silence.
A King and his Queen.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, BALLROOM - NIGHT

Later that night.

We find BROWN, slouched on the ground, dead-drunk and
snoring loudly.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

A few days later, four JOURNALISTS are scrabbling up a
stony path, armed with telescopes.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

A large ROYAL PARTY is making its way smoothly and quietly
up the mountain.  BROWN is on horseback, leading VICTORIA
on a dapple-grey.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

The JOURNALISTS rattle up the hill.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

BROWN and VICTORIA start pulling ahead of the main party.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

The JOURNALISTS scramble up to some gorse bushes, dump
themselves down and start setting up the telescopes.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

BROWN and VICTORIA near the summit when BROWN suddenly
stops.  He stiffens and turns to face the wind, as if
catching a scent.  VICTORIA frowns.

			VICTORIA
	What is it, John?
		(beat)
	John?

			BROWN
	I heard something.

BROWN's eyes fix on some distant gorse bushes.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	I won't be long.

He dismounts and races off.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

The JOURNALISTS are peering through their telescopes.

			JOURNALIST 1
	Where did he get to?  I've lost him?

Below them, BROWN races across the riverbank and
undergrowth, unseen.

			JOURNALIST 2
	I don't know if there's much worth
	writing about.

			JOURNALIST 1
	Hard to tell.

BROWN rears up above them and stops.

			BROWN
	This close enough for you?  Go on!  On
	your way!  You filthy scavengers!

The JOURNALISTS scramble to their feet and start legging it
down the hill, while BROWN roars furiously, hurling their
bags after them.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	You leave her alone, do you hear?!

The JOURNALISTS vanish below the hillside.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, UPPER SERVANT'S TABLE - NIGHT

That night.

BROWN is standing at the head of the table, yelling at the
UPPER SERVANTS, irrespective of ARCHIE or anyone.

			BROWN
	If I catch the miserable by-blow who
	told those men where she'd be, then
	I'll hang his balls to dry on Jock
	Wemyss, so I will!!

ARCHIE glances up at BERTIE'S VALET.  He is staring down at
the table, teeth gritted, fists clenched.  BROWN rounds on
them all again.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	What happens to John Brown is his
	business, but the Queen's security
	will never be compromised!

			BERTIE'S VALET
	We --

			BROWN
	You'll talk when I'm finished!

BERTIE'S VALET stares at him in astonishment.  BROWN turns
back to the table.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	That kind of disloyalty will not be
	tolerated in this house, is that
	clear?
		(beat, yelling)
	I said, is that clear?!

There is a general mutter of assent.  BROWN turns and
storms out as ARCHIE gets up to follow.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, HENRY PONSONBY'S ROOMS - DAY

A few days later, PONSONBY is sitting at his desk, hands to
his hips, listening quietly as DOCTOR JENNER reads from his
copy of Punch.

			JENNER
	"Court Circular, Balmoral."
		(beat)
	"On Tuesday, Mr John Brown enjoyed a
	display of sheep-dipping by local
	farmers.  On Wednesday, he attended a
	seance where he was pleased to listen
	to a recital of Auld Lang Syne by Mr
	Robert Burns himself ..."

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, LOWER CORRIDOR - DAY

BROWN crashes through a door holding a copy of the same
journal.

			JENNER (O.S.)
	"... On Thursday, Mr John Brown walked
	on the slopes, accompanied by family
	and friend ..."

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, CORRIDOR - DAY

BROWN storms up to PONSONBY's door.

			JENNER (O.S.)
	Mr Brown retired early.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, HENRY PONSONBY'S ROOMS - DAY

BROWN bursts in on PONSONBY and JENNER, slamming down his
copy of Punch on the desk.  He is furious but controlled.

			BROWN
	If I find out that you had anything to
	do with this, I will have you sacked.

			PONSONBY
	I believe that decision rests with Her
	Majesty.

			BROWN
	Don't think I can't persuade her.

			PONSONBY
	I don't doubt that the Queen was
	highly amused.  She has always had a
	very healthy sense of humor.

			BROWN
	This is a slur on her good name.

			PONSONBY
	In as much as the article is about
	yourself, I think you must now accept
	that the public has a right to its
	interest in you.

			BROWN
	Nobody has any rights over me.

			PONSONBY
	We are all of us subject to forces
	beyond our control, Mr Brown, even
	you.

BROWN stares at him in silence.  A beat.

			BROWN
	You'll regret saying that.

						FADE TO BLACK.

CAPTION: "1867"

						FADE IN:

INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT - DAY

Chaos.  The Tories are losing the vote as both sides of the
house stand and shout at each other while the SPEAKER rises
in his chair.

			SPEAKER (O.S.)
	Order!  Order!  ORDER!

A buzzing silence settles as the house sits for the vote.
The COUNTERS approach the chair.

			SPEAKER (CONT'D)
	Result of the vote to the first
	reading of the Bill to Disestablish
	the Irish Church.

A murmur of excitement from the LIBERALS.

			SPEAKER (CONT'D)
	Order!

A beat.

			COUNTER
	Ayes to the right, three hundred and
	thirty, noes to the left, two hundred
	and sixty-five...

By the time he reaches "sixty-five" his voice is drowned in
cheers from the Liberal benches.  DISRAELI and the rest of
the front bench sit in stony silence.

Somewhere on the Liberal back benches, a wild-eyed
maverick, DILKE, rises to his feet shouting:

			DILKE
	Mr Speaker, I table a motion in
	furtherance of the Bill to
	Disestablish the Monarchy!

A roar from the irate TORIES and chaos reigns again.

			SPEAKER
	Order!  Order!!  ORDER!!!

INT. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, LOBBY CORRIDOR - NIGHT

An hour later the house is empty except for a few
straggling MPs hurrying home.  An exhausted DISRAELI stands
in the corridor with STANLEY.

			DISRAELI
	We're going to lose.

			STANLEY
	You can't know that for sure.

			DISRAELI
	Gladstone's got his party facing the
	same way for the first time in years.
	We need help.
		(long beat)
	Where is the old girl?

			STANLEY
	Who?

			DISRAELI
	Mrs Brown.

			STANLEY
	It's questionable whether there's any
	advantage to be had from that
	direction.  She's never been less
	popular.

			DISRAELI
	In the press, perhaps.
		(holding up Punch)
	But she's sold more copies of her
	Highland Journal in three months than
	Punch will ever sell in a year.  Time
	to wheel her out.

			STANLEY
	She's refusing to leave Balmoral.

			DISRAELI
	What's her excuse this time?

			STANLEY
	The Princess Louisa is too ill to
	move.  Frankly, the Queen's rather
	upset at the recent spate of bad
	publicity.
		(beat)
	You're smiling.

			DISRAELI
	I was trying to imagine "rather
	upset."

The elderly prelate, DEAN WELLSELLY, hurries in through the
lobby doors.  DISRAELI puts on a welcoming smile.

			DEAN WELLSELLY
	Forgive me, gentlemen.  I'm late.

			DISRAELI
	Not at all, Dean.  Good of you to
	spare the time.

			DEAN WELLSELLY
	I came as quickly as I could.

			DISRAELI
	You've seen the latest cartoon in
	Punch, I take it?

			DEAN WELLSELLY
		(completely lost)
	I beg your pardon?

DISRAELI opens the copy of Punch and hands it to Dean
Wellselly.  The Dean clears his throat and starts to read.

			DISRAELI
		(as Wellselly reads)
	One of our madder brethren in the
	house was calling for disestablishment
	of the monarchy.

Dean Wellselly looks up from the article, horrified.

			DEAN WELLSELLY
	Good Lord.

			STANLEY
		(playing the soft glove)
	I'm sure it won't come to that.

			DISRAELI
		(the hard glove)
	No.  But it has now become a matter
	for our consciences.
		(beat)
	I was just telling Stanley how vital
	it is that the nation should feel the
	visible influence of the Sovereign.
	As a reminder that Parliament, indeed
	my own ministry, depends on the will
	of the Queen.

DEAN WELLSELLY nods his head gravely.  Over his shoulder,
STANLEY is gaping at DISRAELI's silky distortion of the
party political maneuver into a moral imperative.

			DEAN WELLSELLY
	I couldn't agree with you more, but I
	am only Dean of Windsor.  I don't
	understand what ...

DISRAELI interrupts.

			DISRAELI
	We hear from Balmoral that Mr Brown is
	interesting Her Majesty in some of the
	forms of worship associated with ...
	low-church Presbyterian.

Silence.  DEAN WELLSELLY'S face is a picture of
unrestrained horror.  Low-church.  Presbyterian.

			DEAN WELLSELLY
	What can we do?

			DISRAELI
	Oh, several things.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY

Some days later.

Queen VICTORIA sits at her desk while Henry PONSONBY stands
in front of her, holding a copy of The Times.

			VICTORIA
	Read it.

			PONSONBY
	Again?

			VICTORIA
	Read it!

PONSONBY coughs once and begins again.

			PONSONBY
	"The Times wishes to join the rest of
	Her Majesty's loyal subjects in
	expressing its deep joy at the news
	that the Queen is soon to come out of
	her mourning."

VICTORIA glowers at him.

			VICTORIA
	Who told them that?

			PONSONBY
	I have no idea.

			VICTORIA
	Why not?

			PONSONBY
	I -- forgive me, ma'am, I am no wiser
	than yourself.

Suddenly, VICTORIA's temper goes and she shouts at him.

			VICTORIA
	No-one should think themselves wiser
	than me!
		(beat)
	It is not for any of the Queen's
	subjects to presume to tell Her
	Majesty when and where She should come
	out of mourning.  It is the Queen's
	sorrow that keeps her secluded!  It is
	Her overwhelming amount of work and
	responsibility, work which She feels
	will soon wear her out entirely!

			PONSONBY
	Your Majesty --

			VICTORIA
		(cutting right through him)
	Is it not enough that She is uncheered
	and unguided that she should also have
	to suffer these malicious rumors?!
		(a pause, more quietly)
	I am not a fool.
		(beat)
	I know there are those in the
	establishment too afraid to attack me
	and so they attack my dearest friends.
	Sometimes -- I feel that Brown is all
	I have left of Albert.
		(beat)
	And now they attack Brown too.

She looks up, eyes blazing.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	I will not give him up to them.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, ROOM ADJOINING DRAWING ROOM - DAY

BROWN is guarding the door to the drawing room while the
balding BERTIE muscles up, eye ball to eye ball.

			BERTIE
	I wish to see my mother.

			BROWN
	She's busy.

			BERTIE
	Convey her a message.

			BROWN
	She's away to Windsor tomorrow.  Talk
	to her there.

			BERTIE
	Tell her the Prince of Wales wishes to
	speak with her urgently about matters
	concerning the press.

			BROWN
	Are you deaf as well as stupid?

A split-second.  BERTIE gapes at him.

			BERTIE
	What did you say?

			BROWN
	I said, are you deaf as well as
	stupid?

			BERTIE
	Do you know who you address, sir?

			BROWN
	Whom you address.

			BERTIE
	The future King!

A beat.

			BROWN
	Well, everyone's entitled to their
	opinion.

			BERTIE
	Out of my way!

Foolishly, BERTIE tries to barge his way past.  Suddenly
BROWN loses it completely.  He grabs the Prince of Wales by
the shoulders and pins him back, shouting right into his
face.

			BROWN
	LEAVE US ALONE, WHY DON'T YOU!!

For a split-second, BROWN's eyes flicker as he senses he
has gone too far.  A look of pure venom in BERTIE'S face,
then ...

EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUADRANGLE - NIGHT

Weeks later.

In a roar of hooves and wheels, the Royal Carriage sweeps
into the huge quadrangle.  JOHN BROWN stands rigid on the
box, glowering at all the world.

CAPTION: "WINDSOR"

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, SERVANT'S CORRIDOR - NIGHT

A pair of doors open out onto a torchlit driveway as a mass
of SERVANTS rush in and out, ferrying bags an trunks.

BROWN marches in, still charged-up from the strain of the
journey's watchfulness.  He spots an UNDER-PORTER snatching
a break.

			BROWN
	You!  What's your business here?!

			UNDER-PORTER
		(jumping to)
	Under-porter, sir.

			BROWN
	Well, don't stand where you shouldn't!

The UNDER-PORTER scrambles up the stairs.  A few SERVANTS
exchange looks.  BROWN seems more determined than ever to
exert his control.

EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, STABLES - NIGHT

That night.

Carrying an old storm lamp high over his head, BROWN walks
towards the stables.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE - DAY

The next day.

BROWN is on horseback, riding with VICTORIA through the
grounds.  He is still jumpy, eyes flicking left and right,
searching for intruders.  They are being followed at a
distance by two EQUERRIES on horseback.  VICTORIA frowns
peevishly.

			VICTORIA
	Must they always follow us?

			BROWN
	I ordered it.  It's for your own
	safety.

			VICTORIA
	Dear me, you'll be telling me to watch
	what I eat next.

BROWN doesn't react.  A beat.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	Am I not safe enough with you, John?

			BROWN
	Aye.
		(looking away)
	But there are Fenians reported on the
	mainland.

			VICTORIA
		(tutting irritably)
	The threat from the Irish is greatly
	exaggerated, I'm sure.

			BROWN
		(snapping back)
	I'll decide when it's exaggerated.

BROWN chucks his horse on, bringing a firm halt to the
conversation.  A beat.  He pulls up suddenly, staring at
the shadows in the copse.

			VICTORIA
	Is anything the matter, John?
		(beat)
	John?

He stares for along moment and then lets it go.

			BROWN
	Nothing's the matter.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, STABLES - NIGHT

BROWN marches down the line of horse boxes.  A stable-lad,
BARNEY, is feeding the horses.  He looks twitchy.

			BROWN
	Hey, Barney.

			BARNEY
	Mr Brown, sir --

			BROWN
	It's cold out there tonight, Barney.

Reaching his pony, BROWN stops and smiles.  The animal
lifts its face to him and he softly strokes his muzzle.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	Yeah, there's a good girl.
		(to Barney)
	Have you had a look at this hoof?  She
	was limping badly.  I think there
	might be a stone in it.

			BARNEY
	Yeah, yeah, I did.

			BROWN
	Good man.  And is she all right?

			BARNEY
	Yeah.

			BROWN
	Good.  She's a good girl.  Aren't you?
	Yeah, she's a lovely girl.  And you
	know the Queen's riding tomorrow?

			BARNEY
	Yeah.

			BROWN
		(beat)
	Are you all right, Barney?

BARNEY twitches again and BROWN realizes too late.  The
split-second he turns, he sees THREE MEN.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	Oh, aye...

The MEN pile onto him and he collapses under their weight.

As he falls, BROWN manages to yank himself round, bang up a
fist and fling the others off him.  But the FIRST MAN is up
again, twisting an arm round his neck and tugging him back.
The others grapple his arms down, but BROWN is incredibly
strong.  Even now, grunting and scrabbling, he makes them
fight to force him back.  BARNEY stands transfixed in
horror.

Dumping BROWN against the wall, the men step back and start
kicking the shit out of him.  BROWN curls into a ball, jaw
locked, hands over his head.  Not a sound.

Finally, they back off, panting hard.  The FIRST MAN pulls
out a bottle of whiskey, yanks back BROWN's head and forces
whiskey down his throat.  It spills over his face and
dribbles down his neck.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY

The next day.

VICTORIA is standing at the windows.  The door opens and
LADY ELY walks in.

			VICTORIA
	Well?

			LADY ELY
	Mr Brown is unable to attend today.

			VICTORIA
	Why?

			LADY ELY
	I believe he is unwell, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Unwell?

			LADY ELY
	I understand he was in a fight.

			VICTORIA
	Has he been hurt?

			LADY ELY
	I believe not, ma'am.  I understand --
	he'd had rather too much to drink.

VICTORIA walks away and steps behind her desk.

			VICTORIA
	You may go.

LADY ELY bows and walks out.  VICTORIA stares at the desk a
moment, then picks up her pen and tries to work.  She
cannot.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - DAY

BROWN sits on the edge of the bed in only his
undergarments.  His face, arms, legs and fingers are livid
with bruises, but he sits there, stiff-backed and gritting
his teeth, while ARCHIE crouches in front of him, tending
to his wounds.

			BROWN
	And she sent no word down?

			ARCHIE
	They said you were drunk.
		(beat)
	Why don't you tell her the truth?

			BROWN
	She'll think it's her fault for
	keeping me.

ARCHIE completes one of the dressings when BROWN suddenly
reaches back and starts trying to put on his shirt.

			ARCHIE
	What are you doing?!

			BROWN
	I'm getting dressed.

			ARCHIE
	You've got three broken ribs, man!

			BROWN
	I've got my duties to attend to.

			ARCHIE
	Don't be an idiot!  You're in no fit
	state to go anywhere.

			BROWN
	She'll be worried about me.

			ARCHIE
	She'll get over it.

			BROWN
	I can't let her down now, Archie.

			ARCHIE
	And when was the last time she put
	herself out for you?  Look, John,
	whatever she says to you now, in the
	end you're still a servant.

			BROWN
	Oh, I'm much more than that.

			ARCHIE
	Aye, she may say that to you, but the
	woman can say what she wants.

			BROWN
	You watch your tongue.

			ARCHIE
	Come on, man, I'm telling you what you
	already know.

			BROWN
	You know nothing about her!

			ARCHIE
	When are you gonna see it, John?  She
	doesn't give a damn about you.

BROWN lunges for the bedside drawer and pulls out a card
showing a coy picture of a pretty woman.  He holds it up,
eyes blazing.

			BROWN
	From the Queen!

He reads out the inscription.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	My lips may give a message better of
	Christmas love than e'en this letter.
		(beat)
	To my best friend, J.B. from his best
	friend, V.R.
		(he thrusts it in his
		 brother's face)
	Best friend!

			ARCHIE
	Aye.

			BROWN
	She means it.

ARCHIE stares at him.

			ARCHIE
	She'll drop you.  When she's done with
	you, she'll drop you.

			BROWN
	Get out.
		(beat)
	Out!

ARCHIE steps back but BROWN roars at him.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	OUT!!

ARCHIE steps outside and BROWN is left alone.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY

The next day.  VICTORIA sits at her desk.  PONSONBY hands
her letters to sign.

			PONSONBY
	... to be followed by a visit from
	Lady Bridport.  She is keen to secure
	a place for her niece as Maid of
	Honor.

VICTORIA signs the last letter and sits back.

			VICTORIA
	I am tired.

PONSONBY coughs.

			PONSONBY
	There is one other matter.

			VICTORIA
	What is it?

			PONSONBY
	I have a letter, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	From whom?

			PONSONBY
	From Princess Helena and other members
	of your family.

			VICTORIA
		(stiffening defensively)
	My family is quite capable of
	communicating with the Queen in
	person.

PONSONBY does not reply.  Finally, VICTORIA is obliged to
ask.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	What do they want?

			PONSONBY
	They are demanding the dismissal of
	John Brown on grounds of drunkeness.

VICTORIA stares through the window, expressionless.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CHAPEL - DAY

VICTORIA walks through the ornate chapel, nervously
fingering her handkerchief.  Waiting for her, smiling
softly, is the Dean of Windsor, DEAN WELLSELLY.

			DEAN WELLSELLY
	You wished to see me, ma'am?

She holds his eyes for a moment, then nods.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CHAPEL - DAY

A few minutes later, VICTORIA and DEAN WELLSELLY are seated
in a corner of the chapel, talking softly.  She cannot
bring herself to look at him and so does not notice how
carefully he is watching her throughout the interview.
This is incredibly hard for her to say, but she struggles
to be as honest as possible.

			VICTORIA
	My husband tried always to make me
	think more subtly.  Of course he
	taught me so much and I can never
	repay my debt to him, or the love I
	feel, even now.  But, in truth, I
	think I am someone who can only feel
	things while they are alive to me.
	For that reason, I know I do not have
	a subtle mind.  I know that.  But I
	work hard and I try to do my duty.
		(she hesitates; she is
		 struggling now)
	However, I have noticed of late that
	my feelings of grief are not so strong
	and -- that I find myself leaning more
	upon the comfort of living friends.
		(beat)
	Friends close to me now.

She stops herself.  She is crying.  DEAN WELLSELLY watches
her a moment, then speaks close, choosing his words
carefully.

			DEAN WELLSELLY
	Your Majesty, a settled resignation is
	more lasting proof of affection than
	active grief.  If the good Lord sees
	fit to bring one into contact with
	congenial fellow beings, one should
	not analyze one's reaction too deeply.
	To allow oneself to be comforted by
	someone else need not imply any
	disloyalty to the memory of the loved
	one.

Silence.  VICTORIA stares into the long, dark chapel.
Gradually, as she takes in the tone of his remarks, her
disappointment turns to anger.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUEEN'S SITTING ROOM - DAY

The next day, VICTORIA stands at the far window and her
back to the room.  Lined up against the wall are BERTIE and
his siblings.

			VICTORIA
	Sir Henry.

PONSONBY steps forward.

			PONSONBY
	Ma'am?

			VICTORIA
	Please tell the Princess, and other
	signatories to this letter, that the
	Queen will not be dictated to, or made
	to alter, in any way, what she has
	found to answer for her comfort.
		(beat)
	Do I make myself clear?

			PONSONBY
	Ma'am.

A beat.

			VICTORIA
	You may go.

They all file out.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE - DAY

A few days later.

BROWN and VICTORIA are riding on horseback.  Although
better than he was, BROWN'S face is still badly bruised.
They turn a corner banked by trees.  BROWN is watching the
QUEEN closely.  She stops.

			VICTORIA
	I would like to get down.

Without a word, BROWN dismounts and helps her off her
horse.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	John?

			BROWN
	Yes, ma'am?

			VICTORIA
	I was told you were in a fight.

			BROWN
	Yes, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Has someone seen to those bruises?

			BROWN
	Yes, ma'am.

A beat.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	Ma'am?

			VICTORIA
	Yes?

			BROWN
	Having considered my position here at
	court, I have come to the conclusion
	that it is in the best interest of
	Your Majesty that I should resign.

			VICTORIA
	I do not accept.

A beat.

			BROWN
	I had foreseen that you would not.
	But Your Majesty should understand --
	that my mind will not be changed in
	this.  I leave for Deeside --

			VICTORIA
		(cutting in)
	The Queen forbids it.
		(beat)
	I cannot allow it because I cannot
	live without you.  Without you, I
	cannot find the strength to be who I
	must be.  Please.

She takes his hand to her mouth and kisses it gently, then
looks at him, utterly helpless.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	Promise me you won't let them send me
	back.

A long silence.  BROWN holds her hand tight.

			BROWN
	I promise.

						FADE TO BLACK.

CAPTION: "1868"

						FADE IN:

EXT. LOWLANDS - DAY

A few weeks later.

A tiny horse-drawn carriage creeps across a huge Highland
landscape.

			DISRAELI (V.O.)
	Yesterday, Gladstone talked for three
	hours on the Irish Church Bill ... I
	am as guilty as the rest of
	underestimating his reforming zeal.
	Tory days may be numbered, but I fancy
	there yet remains one last hope of
	deliverance.  Wheresoever the blame
	lies, we must now close ranks and
	defend Mrs Brown's England.  As for my
	interminable journey to the land of
	Calvin, oatcakes and sulphur ...

EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY

DISRAELI hurries through the pouring rain.

			DISRAELI (O.S.)
	... no Prime Minister made greater
	sacrifice than attempting to run the
	country six hundred miles north of
	civilization.

Reaching the castle, he hurries inside and the great doors
bang behind him.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY

The next day.

QUEEN VICTORIA is playing the piano like she walks, with
great vim and vigor.  The tune is some quaint Scottish
ballad which she belts out in her clear strong voice,
almost drowning out PRINCE ARTHUR, PRINCE LOUISE and PRINCE
LEOPOLD who are meant to be accompanying her.  They stand
in a nervous semi-circle, fumbling their harmonies.
Ignoring them completely, VICTORIA bobs up her head with a
quizzical smile to make sure she is being appreciated.

DISRAELI and the rest of the HOUSEHOLD stand a few yards
off, smiling rigidly.  DISRAELI, the consummate politician
to his inch-high insteps, out-smiles the lot of them.  This
man is in raptures of delight.  And the more liquid his
smiles, the happier he makes VICTORIA.  He beams, she
belts, until her children are drowned out completely.

And then, with characteristic suddenness, VICTORIA stops
playing and launches into one of her tirades.  The
HOUSEHOLD wobbles in shock like children on a switch-back,
but DISRAELI glides smoothly from delight to sober concern.

			VICTORIA
	How dare the Irish break with the
	Anglicans?
	If Albert were alive today he would
	never allow the Crown to give up
	Church patronage.  No, the Irish must
	be told, very firmly, to stay exactly
	where they are.  It is the thin edge
	of the wedge, Mr Disraeli.  Next, you
	will be telling me that the Crown no
	longer governs this nation.

A beat. A nervous silence in the Household.

			DISRAELI
	Your Majesty remains at the very
	epicenter of governance.  As for your
	people, look no further than the sales
	of your Highland Journals to see in
	what affection the nation holds their
	Queen.
		(beat)
	You sell even more copies than Mr
	Dickens.

			VICTORIA
	But I lack your prose, Mr Disraeli.

VICTORIA gives him a tiny smile.  DISRAELI acknowledges it,
then steers the conversation back.

			DISRAELI
	Of course I understand your concern.
	You miss your people.
		(a pause)
	And they miss you.

VICTORIA registers a slight flicker of defensiveness at the
implied criticism.

			VICTORIA
	Then they may read about me.

			DISRAELI
	Indeed, and for that they are
	eternally grateful.

			VICTORIA
	Is that not enough?

			DISRAELI
	In so many ways ... and yet it is your
	presence they crave.  A figurehead.

VICTORIA has the measure of him.

			VICTORIA
	I never thought to be bullied by you,
	Mr Disraeli.  You, I thought,
	understood a widow's grief.

			DISRAELI
	Forgive me, ma'am, I cannot speak for
	the nation, only for myself.  As Prime
	Minister I confess I miss your
	presence, but that is only an
	expression of my own selfish desires
	and I should not burden you with it.

The Household waits.  Has he clawed himself back?  VICTORIA
acknowledges his apology.  Her voice drops and she talks
directly to DISRAELI, straight from the heart.

			VICTORIA
	I stay here because I am happy.
		(beat)
	Is that such a terrible crime?

			DISRAELI
	No, ma'am.

At this moment the far door opens and BROWN walks in.

			BROWN
	Time for your walk.

Without a word, VICTORIA rises from her chair and starts
following him out.  As they pass DISRAELI, she stops.

			VICTORIA
	This is my good John Brown.

			DISRAELI
		(taking him in)
	Yes.

			VICTORIA
	I have asked him to show you a little
	of Highland life while you are with us
	at Balmoral.

BROWN measures DISRAELI suspiciously.

			BROWN
	What brings you here?

			DISRAELI
	A man can refuse only so many
	invitations from his Queen.  It was
	remiss of me not to come earlier.

VICTORIA smiles.  BROWN stares.

			BROWN
	What do you know about the Highlands?

			DISRAELI
	I am a blank sheet.

			BROWN
	Do you hunt?

			DISRAELI
	Occasionally.

			BROWN
	Dare say you can be taught.

			DISRAELI
	To shoot perhaps, but not to kill.

			BROWN
	If you hunt, you kill.

DISRAELI counters effortlessly.

			DISRAELI
	Well then, I'll do my best.

EXT. HIGHLANDS, GLEN GELDER - DAY

Staying close to the ground we develop through a series of
shots showing the other highlands -- sheet rain against
heather and gorse, rivulets of water slashing through mud,
crude pathways sliding in wind and all ball-breakingly
cold.

Coming up the hill, we begin to make out a hunting party.
The sound first.  Like a small army, crashing their way up
the winding path.  GHILLIES urging on their horses and
dogs, guns and equipment jangling off pony-hacks an then
the tall figure of JOHN BROWN striding out in front.

Making no concession to anyone, he force-marches them up
the hill, eyes on the hunt ahead. Behind them trot the men
on horseback -- DISRAELI, PONSONBY, BERTIE and other
GENTLEMEN, each led by GHILLIES and ATTENDANTS, among them
ARCHIE.

Suddenly, BROWN stops and raises a hand.  The party halts.

He listens for a second.  Satisfied that he has found his
quarry, he brings his hand down and the party of gentlemen
dismount as quietly as they can.

As he waits, BROWN winces slightly from the pain in his
side.  He pulls a flask of whiskey from his sporran and
drinks.  All the time, DISRAELI keeps his eyes on BROWN.

EXT. HIGHLANDS, GLEN GELDER - DAY

The stalking.

Everyone is now fanned out along the hillside, a ghillie to
each gentleman, slowly and silently moving up the hill.

DISRAELI stalks with BROWN, panting hard to keep up, eyes
on his man, trying to make no sound.

Suddenly, BROWN stops.  Very slowly he rises.  DISRAELI
rides alongside and sees ...

A huge stag staring majestically across the hillside.

Keeping his movements smooth and slow, BROWN brings up his
rifle, cocks it and offers DISRAELI the kill.  With a
deferential gesture of the hands, DISRAELI declines.  BROWN
stares at him a split-second, raises the rifle to his
shoulder and fires.

EXT. HIGHLANDS, GLEN GELDER - DAY

The kill.

A rapid montage of guns firing, as we cut to ...

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY

BROWN sweeps in from the hunt, DISRAELI dripping at his
side.

			BROWN
		(demonstrating with his
		 rifle)
	Always remember, you keep it tight to
	your shoulder, you absorb the kick.
	Aim for the head.  Then imagine it's
	Gladstone.

			DISRAELI
		(smiling)
	Quite.

BROWN pulls out his flask and offers some to DISRAELI, who
declines.  He watches BROWN take a long swig.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, UPPER SERVANT'S TABLE - NIGHT

That night.

BROWN is standing at his place, drinking steadily.  He has
a sheet of paper and a pen and is ticking off a list.
Lined up in front of him, trying desperately not to laugh,
are five or six UPPER SERVANTS including the pretty
ASSISTANT DRESSER and BERTIE'S VALET.  They each step up,
one at a time, to make their report.

			BROWN
		(ticking as he goes)
	... Back doors, West Wing.

			UPPER SERVANT 1
	Checked and locked, sir.

			BROWN
	Side doors, East Wing.

			ASSISTANT DRESSER
	Checked and locked, sir.

			BROWN
	Louder, girl!

			ASSISTANT DRESSER
		(creasing up)
	Checked and locked, sir.

			BROWN
	Kitchen and lower house.

			BERTIE'S VALET
	Checked and locked, sir.

			BROWN
	Back and upper corridors.

			UPPER SERVANT 2
	Checked and locked, sir.

			BROWN
	Front door.
		(beat)
	Checked and locked.

Folding up the paper, BROWN downs his glass of whiskey and
sits.  On his nod, dinner is served by UNDER SERVANTS amid
a clatter of cutlery and chat.

ARCHIE looks across at his brother but BROWN is hunched
over his plate, pecking at his food.

Someone titters and ARCHIE looks up.  BERTIE'S VALET
coughs.  BROWN slowly lifts his head.  His eyes have the
slightly unfocused look of too much drink.  It is clear to
ARCHIE that he is about to be sent-up.

			BERTIE'S VALET
		(with a smug smile)
	Did you see any Irish assassins today,
	Mr Brown?

Brown doesn't react.

			BERTIE'S VALET (CONT'D)
	We heard the dogs were Fenian
	sympathizers.

Brown drinks.

			BERTIE'S VALET (CONT'D)
	Or was it the stag ...?

Everyone bursts out laughing.  Brown slams down his glass.

			BROWN
	There's not a soul here cares about
	that wee woman's safety except me!
	She'd die in a ditch if I wasn't there
	to look out for her --

He stops.  ARCHIE has come across to his brother's chair
and pulls gently on his arm.

BROWN stares at the SERVANTS.  Everyone is about to burst
out laughing.  Keeping his dignity, he pushes back his
chair and lets ARCHIE lead him away.

As BROWN reaches the double doors, the laughter hits him in
the back like a wave. ARCHIE holds him steady.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

BROWN is lying on a grubby bed.  ARCHIE is looking around
the untidy room.  For the first time, he notices a thick
manuscript on the table.  BROWN follows his eyes.

			ARCHIE
	What's this?

			BROWN
	It's a diary.

			ARCHIE
	Be careful who sees it.

			BROWN
	What do you take me for?

ARCHIE turns back to BROWN.

			ARCHIE
	You should have someone look after
	you.

			BROWN
	I'm all right.  I just need to rest up
	a wee bit.
		(feeling everything spin)
	The room ... You don't have to stay.

BROWN shuts his eyes and starts to drift.  ARCHIE watches
over him.

			ARCHIE
	The place is a mess.

			BROWN
	I can't move to tidy.

			ARCHIE
	It's what the maids are for.

			BROWN
	I'm not having some prattler going
	through my things.

A beat.

			ARCHIE
	Won't you give yourself a rest, John?
	She's other people to look out for
	her.

			BROWN
	She needs me, Archie.  She canna do
	without me, she said it to my face.
		(his hands come up to cover
		 his eyes)
	How can I stop now?

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, SERVANT'S CORRIDOR - DAY

Dawn the next morning.

BROWN is scrambling into his jacket as he hurries down the
stairs.

EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY

BROWN crashes out of a side-door -- just fully dressed --
to be met by the smiling figure of DISRAELI.  He is got up
in smart walking boots, plus-fours and a tweed jacket.

			BROWN
	You sent for me.

			DISRAELI
	I've been called back to London.  My
	last day.  I thought I might take a
	walk on Lochnagar.

BROWN stares straight back.

EXT. LOCHNAGER - DAY

An hour later, BROWN leads DISRAELI up the hill.  BROWN has
his head down, on with the job.  DISRAELI slows to a halt.

			DISRAELI
	Princes and Lords are but the breath
	of kings, An honest man's the noblest
	work of God.
		(beat)
	You must miss such magnificent views.

			BROWN
	I don't think about it.

They reach the top and continue along the high ground.
DISRAELI glances at BROWN and notices the limp.

			DISRAELI
	Forgive me, I've called you out and
	you should have been resting.

			BROWN
	I'm fine.

			DISRAELI
	You're injured.

			BROWN
	It's nothing.

			DISRAELI
	Still, someone must attend you.  Your
	wife should not have let you out.

			BROWN
	I'm not married.

			DISRAELI
		(deadpan)
	Oh.

			BROWN
	This is the top.

DISRAELI admires the view for a moment, then continues.

			DISRAELI
	I confess, I sometimes feel as if I am
	not married myself, I see my wife so
	little.  But I'm forgetting the
	rewards.

He looks across.  BROWN keeps staring ahead.

			DISRAELI (CONT'D)
	The look on their faces when one walks
	into the room.  Still gives one a
	ridiculous thrill.

			BROWN
	I wouldn't know.

			DISRAELI
	Surely --

			BROWN
		(interrupts)
	What I do, I do for my Queen.

			DISRAELI
	Was there never ambition?

			BROWN
		(beat)
	Maybe, once.

			DISRAELI
	Then I envy yo.

			BROWN
	Why?

			DISRAELI
	To have achieved one's ambition, or to
	have reconciled oneself to its limits,
	is a lifetime's work.

			BROWN
	I do what I do.

			DISRAELI
	For Her Majesty.

			BROWN
	Aye.

			DISRAELI
	But yourself?
		(beat)
	What about John Brown?

			BROWN
	I said.
		(beat)
	I serve the Queen.

			DISRAELI
	No other aspiration?

BROWN stares for a long moment.  Finally he speaks.

			BROWN
	To see her safe.

DISRAELI steps a little closer.

			DISRAELI
	You will not be unaware of the threat
	now posed by Republicanism.

			BROWN
	Why do you think I keep her here?

			DISRAELI
	Ah, but therein lies the paradox.  It
	is her very isolation that encourages
	the malcontents.  The longer she is
	away, the stronger they become; and
	who, honestly, can promise security
	against that?  However many doors you
	lock, someone will always get in.
	Even here.

BROWN watches him, eyes alert.

			BROWN
	So...?

			DISRAELI
	The truth is, the Queen would be safer
	doing her duty and returning south to
	her public.  John Bull loves her and
	John Bull is her best defense.

			BROWN
	Her mind is set.  She won't change
	now.

			DISRAELI
	She trusts you, John.

DISRAELI is right on his shoulder now, like his own voice.

			BROWN
	They don't see it.

			DISRAELI
	See what?

			BROWN
	The threat.
		(beat)
	I tell them, but they don't see it.

			DISRAELI
	They aren't as watchful as you.

			BROWN
	Too busy looking after themselves.

			DISRAELI
	The greasy pole.

			BROWN
	No loyalty.

			DISRAELI
	No love.

Silence.  For a moment BROWN seems unaware that someone
else has said that.

			BROWN
	I promised to protect her from people
	like you.

			DISRAELI
	For once in my life, I am not the
	issue.

			BROWN
	She'll never understand it.

			DISRAELI
	In time, she will.

			BROWN
	She'll think I betrayed her.

			DISRAELI
	But others will know that you acted
	for the greater good.

BROWN stares off into the distance.

EXT. LOCH MUICK - DAY

The next day.

BROWN is rowing VICTORIA across the loch.  The EQUERRIES
wait on the shore.

VICTORIA trails her hand in the water, frowning at the
surface.  BROWN concentrates on the oars, slipping them
carefully through the water.

			VICTORIA
	I received a letter today from Mr
	Disraeli.  Parliament is calling for
	my return to public duties.
		(beat)
	Why won't they let us be?

BROWN does not answer.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	He insists that the country expects me
	to preside over the opening of the new
	session.  I refuse to offer sustenance
	to enable his weakening grip.
	Besides, you know how much I should
	hate it.  It frightens me.

She notices that BROWN has said nothing.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	John?

BROWN does not look at her.  Finally:

			BROWN
	We can't always have what we wish.

VICTORIA stares at him.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, QUEEN'S DRAWING ROOM - DAY

Later that day.

VICTORIA and BROWN are in the middle of a blazing row in
front of the entire Household, including PONSONBY, JENNER
and LADY ELY.

			VICTORIA
	Duty?!  You talk about duty?!

			BROWN
	If duty and safety are served by the
	same end then, aye, I do.

			VICTORIA
	I cannot believe you are saying this?
	You, who I have relied on all this
	time --

			BROWN
		(cutting in)
	Have I ever let you down before--?

			VICTORIA
		(as if he had not spoken)
	-- You stand there and tell me it is
	my duty ... after all you promised me!

			BROWN
	I'm breaking no promises!

			VICTORIA
	You are forcing me to do the very
	thing you know I fear most!

			BROWN
	For god's sake, woman, I'm just trying
	to keep you safe!

			VICTORIA
	I will not hear any more about my
	safety!!  You made me a promise and
	now you have broken it!

BROWN rounds on her, deeply wounded.

			BROWN
	-- When I took you out riding, come
	rain or shine, because I knew it was
	right for you, when I kept the bairns
	off your back so you could have a bit
	of peace, when I saw you safe from
	home to home and you didn't even know
	I was there...!  All I've ever thought
	about is you!

			VICTORIA
	Then why send me back to them?!

			BROWN
	Because I have to!
		(pause
	Will you no listen to me, woman?

Face turned from him, VICTORIA replies in a brittle voice.

			VICTORIA
	Do not presume to talk to your Queen
	in that manner.

A long silence.  BROWN watches her, but she will not look
at him again.  Finally, she walks very slowly across the
room.  She turns in the doorway, her voice faltering
slightly.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	Doctor Jenner, I feel unwell.  I shall
	retire to my chamber.  Please attend
	me presently.

As the door slams, we ...

						FADE TO BLACK.

CAPTION: "NOVEMBER"

						FADE IN:

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, DINING ROOM - DAY

A few weeks later.

Close on a door as it opens.  The ROYAL FAMILY are eating
lunch with members of the UPPER HOUSEHOLD.  VICTORIA walks
in with LADY ELY.

A great scraping of chairs as everyone drops their forks
and stands.  Clearly, they were not expecting her.  In
silence, VICTORIA steps up and takes her place at the head
of the table.

At last, PONSONBY leans forward deferentially.

			PONSONBY
	May I say, how glad I am to see Your
	Majesty so much recovered.

VICTORIA nods, then turns and looks about at the others.
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA is seated at the far end of the table.
VICTORIA frowns.

			VICTORIA
	Where is my son?

			PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
	Prince Albert is at Windsor, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Why is he not here?

			PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
	He is sick, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Then why are you not with him?

			PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
	You ordered all members of the Royal
	Family to attend you at Balmoral.

			VICTORIA
	What is the matter with him?

			PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
	He has typhoid fever, ma'am.

VICTORIA stares blankly at DOCTOR JENNER.

			VICTORIA
	No.  You are mistaken.  Prince Albert,
	my husband, had typhoid fever.  I
	asked what was wrong with my son.

			JENNER
	The same, your Majesty.

VICTORIA stops.  She stares down the length of the table.
A long pause.

			VICTORIA
	Why was I not informed?

			JENNER
	I did not consider it wise, in the
	circumstances, to tax your nerves.

			VICTORIA
	How ill is he?

No answer.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
		(to Alexandra)
	Alex?

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	He is not well, ma'am.

A beat.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	I must go to him.

Suddenly, VICTORIA stands.  Chairs bang back as everyone
leaps to their feet.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	We must leave at once.

Abruptly, VICTORIA turns for the door and the room erupts
into activity.

INT. BALMORAL CASTLE, CORRIDOR - DAY

BROWN stands in the corridor, a little nonplussed by the
servants and Householders hurrying about in every
direction.

EXT. BALMORAL CASTLE - DAY

Half an hour later, BROWN races up to the Queen's carriage
amid a swarm of servants, ladies' maids and Householders
rushing to be ready in time.

Suddenly the huge castle doors open and VICTORIA bustles
out with her entourage in tow.  BROWN -- only just in time
- yanks open the door for VICTORIA to step past him and
take her place.  She ignores him completely.

BROWN slams the doors.  As he looks up, he sees his brother
ARCHIE staring at him from across the courtyard.  For a
second the two brothers hold each other's gaze.  It's
obvious that ARCHIE has noticed the Queen's indifference.
BROWN turns away and mounts the box as the carriage races
away under him.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, PRINCE'S BEDCHAMBER - DAY

Some days later.  A tableau.

QUEEN VICTORIA sits at the foot of the bed, a matriarch
surrounded by her ROYAL FAMILY.  They watch DOCTOR JENNER
bend to examine the ghostly figure of BERTIE.  He listens
for a pulse.  Finally, he looks up.

			JENNER
	Better.

VICTORIA lets out a deep breath.  She takes hold of
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA'S hand.

			VICTORIA
	Should the good Lord see fit to spare
	my son, I will order a mass to be
	celebrated at St. George's.  The
	people must share with their Queen,
	her prayers and hopes for their future
	King.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CORRIDOR OUTSIDE BEDCHAMBER - DAY

A few minutes later, BROWN stands in the corridor when the
door bursts open and VICTORIA marches straight past him
with PONSONBY at her side.

			PONSONBY
		(aside to BROWN)
	The Queen will be riding to St.
	George's on the fifth.

			BROWN
		(launching straight in)
	I recommend Her Majesty uses the
	covered carriage with a full Horse
	Guard.  In the event of any
	disturbance I will ensure --

			VICTORIA
		(cutting in)
	I will ride to St. George's in an open
	carriage.  It is time the Queen was
	seen by her public.

VICTORIA turns and disappears down the corridor, followed
by PONSONBY.  We linger on BROWN'S humiliation, closer and
closer until ...

EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, ST. GEORGE'S - DAY

Some weeks later.

A series of angles on BROWN as he walks amid the mass of
onlookers pressing against a cordon of guards surrounding
the cathedral.  All the time, his eyes flick left and
right, searching the faces in front of him for potential
assassins.  Over his intense watchfulness we hear ...

			DEAN WELLSELLY (O.S.)
	... praise and magnify thy glorious
	name for that thou has raised thy
	servant Albert Edward, Prince of Wales
	from the bed of sickness.
	We pray thee to perfect the recovery
	of thy servant and to crown him day by
	day with more abundant blessings both
	for body and soul, through Jesus
	Christ our Lord ...

The CONGREGATION mutters a vast ...

			CONGREGATION (O.S.)
	Amen.

EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, ST. GEORGE'S - DAY

VICTORIA and other members of the ROYAL FAMILY walk down
the steps towards the cheering crowd.  As DEAN WELLSELLY
and BROWN follow, BROWN sees ARTHUR O'CONNER break from the
onlookers, pulling out a gun.  BROWN yells out:

			BROWN
	NO!!

He races toward O'CONNER and hits him flying, bangs him to
the ground and twists the gun out of his hand.  As they
fall we hear laughter and:

			BERTIE (O.S.)
	So there he is, Arthur O'Conner...

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, DINING HALL - NIGHT

It's a few days later and BERTIE is entertaining a private
dinner party.  They include QUEEN VICTORIA, PRINCESS
ALEXANDRA, PRINCESS LOUISE and HENRY PONSONBY.  BROWN is in
attendance.  He stands off to one side, near the door.

			BERTIE
		(bristling with confidence)
	... all seven stone of the man,
	paddling madly towards us through a
	sea of Horse Guards, waving something
	that looks vaguely like a pen.  I
	thought he must be one of the mother's
	ardent readership in search of the
	Royal indenture...

More chortling.  VICTORIA watches her son, smiling proudly.
BROWN looks straight ahead.

			BERTIE (CONT'D)
	I believe I saw him first and then
	alerted Brown.  I'm not convinced that
	he wasn't taking a snooze on top of
	the box.  Anyway, we had our man
	pinned down and I must say, Brown
	acquitted himself admirably.  Of
	course the gun was a fake, but all the
	same, it was well done.

No-one registers BROWN.  But while VICTORIA does not look
at him, she is acutely aware of his presence.

			VICTORIA
	I intend Brown to be rewarded with a
	special medal cast in gold.  It will
	be called The Devoted Service Medal.

The guests applaud politely.  BERTIE clinks his glass for
attention and raises it high.

			BERTIE
	A toast.  Victoria Regina!

The others raise their glasses in unison.

			EVERYONE
	Victoria Regina!

VICTORIA smiles.  BROWN remains alone by the door.

			DISRAELI (O.S.)
	The people of England have expressed
	in a manner which cannot be mistaken,
	that they will uphold the ancient
	monarchy of England ...

INT. CRYSTAL PALACE - DAY

DISRAELI is delivering his come-back speech at a banquet of
Tory delegates.

			DISRAELI
	... If the first great object of the
	Tory Party is to maintain the
	institutions of the country, the
	second is, in my opinion, to maintain
	the Empire of England ... the
	hereditary, the traditionary policy of
	the Tory Party.  Go to your homes,
	teach them these truths, which will
	soon be imprinted on the conscience of
	the land ...

						FADE TO BLACK.

CAPTION: "1883"

						FADE IN:

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

The sound of rain driven hard against a window.  We creep
slowly down the corridor until we are back with the fifty
year-old BROWN.  With his whiskey for company, he is
sitting at his desk, writing in the diary.

The diary-manuscript is now falling apart with wear, but
there remain a few blank pages.  Slowly, he fills them in.

			BROWN (V.O.)
	We should not live in expectation of
	contentment.  Fifteen years of
	vigilance will not guarantee peace of
	mind.  Yesterday, intruders were again
	reported in the South Wing.  I believe
	my prompt arrival may have averted any
	crisis, but it was a timely reminder.
	It is a great comfort to me that my
	efforts in securing the Queen's safety
	over the years have not been in vain.
	Certainly Her Majesty sends me no word
	that she's dissatisfied.  And I feel
	sure that if she were unhappy she
	would have found the occasion  to
	speak to me in person, as she has so
	often done in the past.

A knock at the door.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	What is it?

We hear a young PAGE, breathless from running.

			PAGE
	North woods, sir.

BROWN grabs his gun and rushes out.

EXT. WINDSOR CASTLE, QUADRANGLE - NIGHT

BROWN appears at the door and strides into the storm.  He
walks quickly across the wide quadrangle, rain soaking his
hair and clothes.

Two GUARDS watch BROWN as he races out into the storm.

A coin flips through the air to be caught by an
outstretched hand.  The second GUARD grins.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE - NIGHT

BROWN races across the open ground towards the forest.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

And now we are back with the opening sequence.  Truncated,
severe, and shot from a slightly different angle.  The
driving rain, BROWN hurtling through the trees, the crack
to his left, he spins and plunges on.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

Close-up on BROWN as he bangs against a tree, heaving for
air.  He searches the dark, stops, listens and races on.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

BROWN tears through the trees, pistol raised at full arm's
length.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF WINDSOR CASTLE, FOREST - NIGHT

He bursts into a clearing, breaks to the centre and stops.

Pistol raised, he turns a circle, eyes on the wildly
swaying trees.  A branch snaps behind him.  He spins round,
bellows deep from his heart:

			BROWN
	God save the Queen!!

And fires.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CORRIDOR - NIGHT

A few days later.

VICTORIA is moving swiftly down a long corridor with LADY
ELY.  They arrive at a door.  VICTORIA stands facing it.

			VICTORIA
		(quietly)
	How long has he been this sick?

			LADY ELY
	A few days, ma'am.

			VICTORIA
	Why was I not told earlier?

LADY ELY doesn't answer.  VICTORIA knows anyway.  She nods.
LADY ELY knocks.  The door is opened by a young UNDER
SERVANT who gawps at the sight of Her Majesty standing here
in the servant's quarters.  VICTORIA walks in.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, BROWN'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

The room has been cleared of bottles, but the thinness of
the life here shocks her deeply.  The cheap furniture, the
anonymous prints, the bed and, finally, the sight of BROWN.

He is lying in bed, barely conscious.  After a moment, he
opens his eyes and stares at her.  She steps forward,
smiling nervously.

Her voice is the old voice, between friends.

			VICTORIA
	You should never have gone out in such
	foul weather.

			BROWN
	Someone has to look after you.
		(pause)
	It could've been someone.  It was
	before.

			VICTORIA
	Yes.  Yes it was.

He cannot speak.  It's difficult for her too, but she
speaks for him.

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	My Ministers are as impertinent as
	ever.  Dispatches are now so numerous,
	they come in a trunk.  Sometimes I do
	believe they will never stop.  Endless
	letters...


Her voice falters.  A pause

			VICTORIA (CONT'D)
	I know I have not always been the
	loyal friend you deserved, John.  And
	yet here I am now, even now, feeling
	desperate at the thought of losing
	you.

She starts to cry.

			BROWN
	Don't be silly, woman.

His old, familiar gruffness makes her smile and she pulls
herself together.  Seeing a bowl of water on the side
table, she steps across.  Carefully folding a cloth in
four, she rinses it in the water and gently wipes his face.
Leaning closer, she is about to touch his face when BROWN
gestures protectively.

			BROWN (CONT'D)
	Not too near.

INT. WINDSOR CASTLE, CORRIDOR - DAY

A week later.  PONSONBY and JENNER stand at the window
overlooking the grounds.

			JENNER
	Erysipelas.

			PONSONBY
	Not too protracted, I hope.

			JENNER
		(shakes his head)
	A few days...
		(beat)
	When he heard, the Prince of Wales
	threw the bust from the window of the
	Royal Gallery.  It took four hours to
	gather the fragments.

A beat.

			PONSONBY
	The Queen wishes to publish an account
	of him.

			JENNER
	Dear oh dear.

			PONSONBY
	We think she can be dissuaded.
		(beat)
	Have you had a glance at the diary?

			JENNER
	Yes.

			PONSONBY
	Quite.
		(beat)
	I think I'd best take it back.

			JENNER
	Of course.

He brings out BROWN'S tatty diary-manuscript and hands it
over to PONSONBY.  The two men move away from the window,
to go their separate ways.  Daily business beckons.

			JENNER (CONT'D)
	Where did you find it by the way?

			PONSONBY
	Some young page was boasting about
	having seen it.
		(beat)
	Lucky.

JENNER nods.

			JENNER
	Well, no rest for the wicked, Henry.

			PONSONBY
	No, indeed.

The two men head off in opposite directions down the
corridor.