How was my speech?
You were brilliant.
- Did I lisp? - You don't lisp.
I knew that was also troubling about it that I thought that I suddenly did.
Nope.
Sarah, you must say hello to the little ones.
No.
It is my cub.
Please.
No.
I love you. But that I will not do.
- If you love me. - Love has limits.
It should not.
Subtitled by CLARITY. Checked by PREPARAT.
You do not lisp, but you are mad.
Giving me a palace.
Well, I've been wanting to give you something for quite some time... nah?
Seemed like the perfect opportunity with Marlborough winning.
It is a monstrous extravagance. Mrs Molly, we're at war.
We won.
Oh, it is not over. We must continue.
Ah, I did not know that.
Make a hunk of bread.
Then Sally will take you to clean up and then to her late shift.
This mud stinks.
They shit in the streets around here.
Political commentary they call it.
Go through here. Clean yourself up.
Thank you so much.
Lady Marlborough.
I didn't know and you still ended in here.
It is I, Abigail.
Dear cousin.
I have a letter from our aunt.
And...
I'm sorry. I did not mean to present it, as if
I fell out of a carriage.
And a man was pulling his...
Never mind... a man.
The letter from our aunt.
Friends of yours?
I'm sorry.
Your name girl. If you have blood, name it.
- I did not. Abigail Hill. - The Sommerset Hill's?
The one who went mad and burnt his own house down himself in it?
Lost all his money at wist.
No one bets on wist.
My uncle was one of a kind.
I apologise for my appearance.
The staff let me here.
A humblest prank of some sort, I suspect.
And you want?
I hope that I might be employed here, by you, as something.
A monster for the children to play with perhaps.
Yes. If you like.
A palace?
Ah, you seem angry at my good fortune and I thought we were friends.
I really doubt you've made that mistake.
Well, I was actually just teasing. I thought you'd see that.
It will not stand.
Well, it will, if I build it using the finest craftsmen in the land.
I hope it will stand for 100 years as a symbol of my husband's gallant victory.
Listen, I applaude your husband's gallant victory,
but considering the palace's state of the treasury,
it seems something that the queen should have
taken advice from her loyal opposition on.
Oh, but then it would have lost it's delightful surprise element.
Cunt.
Horratio has done it again.
Prime minister, we need to discuss who will go
to the French with the peace treaty proposal.
We do not need a peace treaty proposal
we have them on the run.
So they will give in to us.
One battle will not win the war.
I have held my party together, as we the country
landowners have essentially paid for this entire war.
And grateful we are too.
While city merchants enriched themselves from it.
And yet I do not see your fat tweedy dead when I look out upon the battlefield.
We're out of money. My point.
The french are chastened, but not defeated Harley.
We must destroy them.
Make them sue for a peace with broken hearts and begging backs.
How sweet your wife is Marlborough...
- Sweet and bright. - I cannot agree.
We must take it to the queen.
If you'd be kind enough to arrange a time, Lady Marlborough.
Of course.
I'm ready for the Russian Ambassador.
Who did your make up?
We want something dramatic, do you like it?
You look like a badger.
Are you going to cry?
Really?
Well, what do you think you look like?
Badger.
Do you really think that you can meet the Russian delegation looking like that?
No.
I will manage it.
Get back to your rooms.
Thank You.
Did you just look at me?
Did you?
Look at me!
How dare you? Close your eyes.
Hello!
Mrs. Meg says you're to scrub the floor.
Until she can see her toothless fat face in it.
Sorry.
You might need gloves.
Lye is danger.
It burns bad.
Sarah!
I'm here.
You!
Grab the brandy box off the shelf.
The queen has new type of gout, Hurry!
Mrs. Meg, Brandy.
My dearest. I know.
Cousin, the beef.
Tell me a story.
I can't.
Gently.
- I can't. - Yes. You can.
Cousin, start wrapping.
Everyone else leave please.
How we first met, tell me that.
Wretched Cheever boy.
Had me on the ground, he was holding me, dropping spittle in my face.
He is still a pig, then what?
And then I heard footsteps.
Fast footsteps.
And I saw these pink shoes running towards me.
And then they disappeared.
And then I had a crack.
And then he fell off me.
And you held my hand and said HELLO! I am Sarah.
You're covered in spittles. Let's wash you off.
Do you remeber how was George's hunger?
I do.
You must try to sleep.
You may go.
- Don't leave me. - I won't.
- You still love me? - Yeah.
- You still? - Yes.
For the queen.
The doctor's ordered it immediately.
It's a matter of extreme emergency.
She's sleeping.
Shall I tell the doctor, you impaired the queen's
health and let you brew the ramifications?
- What does ramific... - It means he will have you whipped.
What are you doing?
This is boletus.
The herb.
I cut it this morning.
It reduces swelling and inflammation. I thought it may help the queen.
You cannot just walk in here.
Why did the footman let you through?
It's not his fault, I lied to him.
- Prime minister and Mr Marlborough. - I just wanted to help her.
She seemed to suffer so much.
Footman?
Take her downstairs.
Tell Mrs. Meg, she's to receive six of the birch. Go.
It's boletus. The herb.
Anne.
You must focus.
We gather our forces here, the Austrians mass here.
Which country is that again?
- Listen... - Marlborough?
This is the town of Leon.
In a valley, in France.
We lure them in by sending a small force to engage them
they give chase, we descend in numbers from above.
Yeah.
It is an excellent plan.
Queen Anne, do you agree?
Our people expect it to be over.
Well, we all want it to be over.
But wishing does not make it so.
We could sue for a peace, but
we will not get it.
It does help.
What?
Something soothing on my leg, takes the burn, what is it?
Oh, herbs of some sort.
What's going on?
Do it to her in the barn, if that's what it is, not in my kitchen!
Her ladyship says six of the birch for this one.
Stop!
Let her go.
Come with me.
So you are perhaps too kind for your own good?
It has been said.
Which leads to stupidity.
The queen is soothe somewhat, so I thank you.
You'll get me some more of those herbs.
And not overstep again.
My father always spoke highly of you!
I liked your father.
He had charmed a bun.
Then I guess he did.
You have fallen far.
When I was fifteen, my father lost me in a card game.
You are not serious?!
This one here.
Oh, he's very upset about it.
Took off into the forest with nothing but a
scullery maid and a dozen bottles for solace.
Did you went?
I wanted to do right by my father.
The debt was to a ballon shaped German man with a thin cock.
Thankfully I managed to convince him a women has a blood in 28 days a month.
What happened to your hand?
Some of my colleagues are immune to my charms.
Earl of Stratford, do not come to me whining
today, I'll crush your tiny heart to liver.
Madame Tournée,
you may have the type of stripe budget you asked for.
Spend one penny more and I'll take anything else off you.
Merci.
Abigail, catch a platter of oysters sent to the dutch ambassador.
Sure, your ladyship.
Colonel Masham.
- Lady Marlborough. - The queen will ride on Wednesday.
Yes, Lady Marlborough.
Would you like a bite of my new maid before you leave?
Must the duck be here?
Fastest duck in the city.
Horatio is a prize worth stealing, it is not leave my side.
Keep him away from me, or I will pull his liver out and knit it with a cornichon.
Charming.
You should know I've canvassed my party there
waiting for us to announce an attempted peace.
We shall both make our case to the queen.
Yes, where is the queen?
We've been waiting an hour.
- Lady Sarah. - I'm here.
Might I remind you, you're not the queen.
No she incept me to speak for her. She is unwell.
What says she?
That Harley is a smells like
a ninety-six years old french whore's vajuju.
And I really doubt, you're quoting.
She has decided to continue with the war.
She feels another victory will put us in a
stronger position for a treaty. Her letters.
And how are we going to pay for this?
The land tax is to be doubled.
This is madness.
Then what will you be fighting will be on our own countryside.
Oh, she relies on you and your love of England to hold the tories together.
- There are limits. - The love of your country,
to me there is no limit on that.
I'll ask father to protect England if we must.
And our last man too?
Look the dead pile up, as do the resentments.
- Although, that does not concern you. - I grieve them all.
And my heart is carved for each and I send my own beloved with them chest bad.
So do not lecture me on the cost.
A treaty would save money and lives... A win for all englishmen.
We go to them after one victory, they'll know we are scared.
We bury more of them, they know we haven't.
The queen has decided, Harley.
I disagree.
A lot.
I would like an audience with the queen where I may state my case.
State it to me. I love a comedy.
Is there a cake?
It's a disgusting distortion of the system. You have no place in this.
Your mascara is running,
If you'd like to go, fix yourself, we can continue this later.
You'll need to pay for the repair of that.
We have a water finance, every penny counts.
Come on, old bean, one more victory.
Must you rub it in?
A man's dignity is the one thing that holds him back from running amok.
Sometimes a lady likes to have some fun.
We need to be careful Sarah.
He's an useful ally.
But a dangerous enemy.
Anything you want.
Thank you.
And thank you for the job.
I have a thing for the weak.
- Lord Marlborough. - It is time.
You must be safe.
Must not be foolish.
And brave. Be smart and safe
- I beg you. - I will.
Stay with me tonight.
I must sleep with my men.
It is only right.
I had a dream, this very small Frenchman covered in blood
was carrying Marlborough 's head around feeding it brie.
He's a great soldier.
He will be fine.
We will prevail.
Of course we will, Mrs. Freeman.
I'm sorry your majesty.
I think I caught a chill picking the herbs for your leg.
That was you!
Abigail.
Let's shoot something.
Sad, really.
They're so pretty.
Throw.
You really doing damage to the sky...
Can I ask you something?
As long, as you're aware that I have a gun.
You fought hard for this war and your husband is in the front of it.
His life is at risk.
- How can you do that? - It is right.
If we don't do it, they'll gather forces and be over here
cutting us all into chops within the year.
You are of a sweet disposition and of suffered blows... So...
desire safety and favor above all else.
If he dies,
Did you not sacrifice your cunt to fatty German to save your father?
Yes.
There is always a price to pay.
I am prepared to pay it.
Throw.
Just relax and aim.
When it crosses your eye, pull the trigger.
Throw.
Perfect!
We'll make a killer of you yet.
Are you following?
I said are you following me?
You seemed to be following me sir
as I am in front of you.
That was you I saw on the horse in the morning.
I'm a servant.
Where would I get a horse?
Perhaps you dreamt of me.
Perhaps it was you.
And I should have you stripped and whipped.
I'm wating.
Going to ride that one, are we?
She does make my blood hot.
She's Lady Marlborough's new whore.
Indeed.
Interesting.
Scuse me. Move.
Your majesty.
How lovely to see you.
Since you've allocated even more money into the abbyss, it is a fool's error...
Oh, yes. We will win.
Sarah's sure we'll win.
It's the land how it was taxed. You have no idea that the
firestorm of rage you have set loose in the countryside.
Really, are they angry?
- Dearest queen. - How do you like my stockings?
Festive.
Very. I was just explaining to the queen the
mistake these taxes... the war as well.
We should sue for peace.
Harley, you're such a bore.
Is it the parliament?
The ball is for dancing.
And eating those horseradish and venison pastrami. Have you tried them?
I'm having trouble swallowing at the moment.
- Your majesty. - I would like to enjoy the music now.
Oh yes, I love this music, I must dance.
Stop it.
Stop!
- What is happening? - I'd like to get back to my room now.
Stop!
Mr Harley.
I agree I went too far with the tax for the war.
- What? - It will stay as it was.
We are your servants, my queen.
Anne.
I'm sorry.
It's ok.
Shall we go fast?
Fuck me.
Abigail, isn't it?
Yes sir.
Stolen a book I see.
Why one could be stripped and whipped for that.
My mistress lent it to me.
- Should we go ask her? - No.
No.
Come and take the night out with me.
So, you once were a lady, and now you are nothing.
A bit of scullery scraps.
How very sad!
I'm still the lady I was.
- In my heart. - No doubt.
It is important to make new friends,
is it not?
Yes.
If that's what's actually happening here.
Not veiled threats under the guise of civility.
Am I to understand, you are smart?
You want something.
To fuck me.
Think that's my friend Masham, he's completely cuntstruck by you.
So tell me about Lady Marlborough.
Godolphin, the queen.
Anything going on?
I love gossip.
It's a failing, I know.
Lady Marlborough has been good to me.
She saved me.
I would not breach her confidence.
Of course. You are in favour.
But a favour is a breeze that shifts direction all the time.
Then in an instance, you're back sleeping with a bunch of
scabrous whores wondering whose finger's in your ass.
You cannot have too many friends in court.
I need a friend Abigail.
One with cute ears, and wide eyes.
I'm often blindsided by the distorted situation at the court.
As leader of the opposition, I should not be.
I would merely like to know of any plans, her
ladyship, Gadolphin or the queen may have.
I will not betray my mistress's trust.
Hold up.
I ran.
How cute.
You alright?
Anyway, think on it.
No pressure.
You'll have to tell Harley you've changed your mind about the tax.
Are the people really angry about the land tax?
They'll be angry when Frenchies sodomizing their
wives and planting their fields with garlic.
The Tories must not be rode rough shot over there
And more dead, if we do it.
It is painful to lose men but,
we cannot be half-hearted in this,
or they'll see our weakness and take us and we'll loose the house and small.
None for the queen.
What?
What? You cannot have hot chocolate.
Your stomach. The sugar inflames it.
- Abigail, hand me that cup. - Do not.
I'm sorry. I do not know what to do.
Oh fine, give it to her.
And then you can get a bucket and the mop for the aftermath.
Take me back.
You will pronounce the tax in parliament.
I will set the date.
I must tell you something.
Go on.
Mr. Harley came to me.
And asked me to betray your confidence
about what goes on between you, and the queen and Godolphin.
I see.
What will you do?
I'm not going to.
Obviously.
Not obviously.
You may tell me of his approach to encourage my trust.
And still work both sides of the street.
I am a person of honour even, if my station is not.
Even if I were the last one left in this wretched place, I would remain a lady.
You're pretty, when outraged.
So my secrets are safe with you?
All of them.
Good.
Even your biggest secret.
Abigail
If you forget to load the pellet, the gunfire
makes the sound, but releases no shot.
It is a great jape. Do you agree?
Yes.
Maybe we will think of a use for it, one day.
Sometimes it is hard to remember whether you've loaded the pelett, or not.
I do fear of confusion.
And accidents.
I'm sure people will be careful.
Beef?
Well, it is.
Creme?
Mrs. Meg, your creme bill is outrageous.
Are you bathing in it to help your hemorrhoids?
No, your Ladyship.
- May I examine? - Of course.
It's perfect Lady Marlborough. As always.
Shall we sign off?
Of course.
Aim for the flagstones.
The lawn might break your fall.
You do not care.
Missus Molly!
Stay a while.
No, take the day off, I command it.
Someone must run things.
I am not food.
You cannot just eat and eat.
Yet you are tasty and salty.
If I crawl to you, you would make a delightful meal?
Very well.
I will come and see you this afternoon
and we can play west.
About time Mrs. Freeman,
this fucking leg.
It's like a monster attacking me.
- You cut it off for me, will you? - I don't think so, your majesty.
Why're you here?
Lady Marlborough sent me as I am an excellent wisp player
and she's been unavoidably detained with business of state.
But will be here post haste.
It's my state.
I am the business of state.
Did she actually send me her maid?
Your majesty, I wasn't always a maid.
I'm educated, I speak Latin, French...
My family found hard times.
- I am also her cousin. - It's all very fascinating.
You shall leave regardless and tell her to come.
They are gorgeous.
They're my babies.
Will you let them out, please?
How many are there?
Seventeen.
It's Hildebrand's day today.
Which one is he?
That one there.
Shy, but stubborn.
May I?
Oh, he likes you.
I lost some seventeen children.
Some were born as blood.
Some without breath.
And some were with me for a very brief time.
Oh my dear!
Today is Hildebrand's day.
The day you lost him.
Yes.
Each one that dies, a little bit of you goes with them.
Would you like to join me?
Oh, lovely cake!
Do you like it?
He do like it.
Happy Birthday!
What an outfit!
Thank you.
I thought it might be too much.
Have you come to seduce me, or rape me?
I am a gentleman.
So, rape then.
No. No, you are,
you have,
intrigued me.
What do you mean?
I am intrigued by what you look like under all this.
You are handsome.
No wonder you cover it up.
Who are you?
No ordinary maid.
It could be said I fall in far.
It could be said
I aim to catch you.
I might allow it.
Now good night, Sir.
Progress?
She uh...
She bit me.
These wigs are ridiculous.
My men must look pretty.
Not entirely, she was a spruce.
We try again, in your own way homeboy.
Apologies regarding sending Abigail in my stead.
She was perfectly darling.
- Hildebrand really took to her. - Is that a rabbit?
Anne you are too sensitive.
And you're too mean and uncaring some days.
Some days I'm quite lovely though. Let's sink on them.
Anne.
You're such a child.
I guess all the rapes were the hardest.
Made me feel at their mercy.
That I was nothing.
You are not nothing, you are a dear person.
Thank you.
You're so beautiful.
Stop it, you mock me.
I do not.
If I were a man, I would
ravish you.
Enough!
Sorry. I'm sorry.
Oh look.
Make 'em stop.
- What? - Stop!
Enough!
Stop!
Begone!
I command it!
Leave!
I don't want to hear it.
- Your majesty. - Now, I must rest.
- Shall I come? - Leave me be.
Give me that.
Your majesty.
Where am I?
Your majesty,
You are in the west hallway.
Don't speak to me like that.
Your majesty.
I am sorry.
Take me back.
Perhaps we should dance.
You mock me.
No, I just believe you can.
It would be cheering.
I would dearly like to dance with you.
Back!
Together. And click.
Throw!
Front, back.
Throw!
Drop with the head and off with the head.
Throw!
It's 12-11.
You're shooting exceptionally well Abigail.
You taught me well.
I hope you haven't found your time with the queen too tedious.
Oh, not at all.
And if it gets you rest, I'm happy.
- Did you sleep well? - Like a shot badger.
Excellent.
Queen is...
an extraordinary person.
Even if it's not readily apparent.
She's been struck by tragedy.
She seems quite lovely.
I will not burden you again.
- I'm quite happy. - I know you are.
She will be angry, if I do not appear soon.
Take your shot.
Throw!
Thirteen.
The queen?
I'll be there directly.
The queen,
asked for,
her.
I have sent for some lobsters. I thought
we could braise them and then eat them.
- Oh hello. - Oh hello!
I hope you have three.
You sent for Abigail to try make me jealous I think.
Perhaps.
Helping with the Lobsters.
You scared?
Oh, I think of mote is a bad idea. Just... It's too old fashioned.
Your lobsters ma'am.
Where should I put them?
Ah, here.
Hello.
Remember me?
Mr. Harley.
You always unbalance me.
So, what's been happening?
The Queen and Lady Marlborough to braise lobsters. And then eat them.
Do you want to get punched?
Queen is going to announce for the doubling
of the land holders tax to parliament.
Do jest?
I don't think she's certain of it though.
But, Lady Marlborough is providing that certainty?
Yes.
And...
That is all.
Why do I feel that is not all?
I've tried my best.
I have.
Alright.
Alright. Turn off the tears. Thank you. Have a pleasant evening.
May I speak a moment with her majesty's pleasure?
May I exort the chamber to roar a mighty hurrah for her majesty
in her brilliant decision to not raise the land tax.
For the doubling of the tax would have been a disaster.
And the fields would have run with blood, as the
countryside rose up against our city friends.
To add to the piling dead of our sons already on the field of this war.
Again to our queen,
dor her deep wisdom, in knowing where to draw
the line and holding our country together.
For there is no point, winning a war abroad if we are to start one at home.
I apologise for the interruption your majesty.
The floor is yours of course.
We look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Men should not sneak up a woman.
You look scared.
I'm hurt.
Wait.
Kiss me properly first.
I have just not decided to marry you Masham.
I cannot marry a servant.
I can enjoy one though.
I know it would ruin you to marry me.
Don't you think we're a good match?
I think you're a very good match.
I looked like a fool.
They were all staring, weren't they?
I can tell even, if I can't see
and I heard the word FAT.
- Anne. - Fat and ugly.
No one, but me would dare and I did not.
I felt for you.
He set you up. It is our fault.
I didn't know what else to do.
- I couln't go through with it. - It's fine.
Anne, it's fine.
He was ready for us.
He probably just assumed that you've been working on her.
And mine a hitch?
We already set the date?
What are you doing?
Your majesty.
Lady Marlborough asked me to wait for you and I was...
The bed looked so beautiful and I was overcome.
With foolishness, I'm sorry.
Well, you may get out now.
Apologies again, your majesty.
What happened to your dress?
Wolves.
Her legs.
Rub my legs.
Does it hurt a lot?
My agony.
Oh the pain!
Marlborough has written,
he is in position.
The battle will begin anytime.
- He will prevail. - Of course.
I imagine you will not sleep tonight.
I can stay and sit with you.
I am alright.
Good morning, Lady Marlborough.
Did you see that book of poetry from the driving fellow?
I have not.
No.
I don't understand.
Did you take it?
- My book. - No?
I think you are pretty little liar that I've misjudged.
I did not mean for this to happen.
The queen, she's forceful.
You are dismissed from my service.
Go back to Mrs Meg, and tell her to find your position in the scullery.
And if she asks why, tell her because I am a disloyal little bitch.
Yes... Your ladyship.
It has been an honour and privilage
If you do not go...
I will start kicking you and I will not stop.
You have become close to Abigail?!
She's been a dear, yes.
It is such a shame, but I've had to dismiss her for theft.
She's a liar and a thief.
Your tongue seems uncharacteristically still.
I heard you.
She's my servant, she's not dismissed.
I've made her my maid of bed chamber.
Did you not hear what I said?
Yes, you regard her as a liar and a thief.
- Yes. - I do not obviously.
You will dismiss her.
I don't want to.
I like it when she puts her tongue inside me.
Feels so strange to be in this.
It's good for you.
The doctor says it'll release the toxins.
What if I shall fall asleep and slip under?
It's just a mud, it's not hot chocolate.
Oh, then I shall die happy.
After you left, I thought what a grand idea to take to the mud.
- Gives off the poisons. - One carries with one out.
Abigail, could you fetch me some refreshment?
I would like to, of course. But...
I must be at the queen's side, and be hasted at all times.
It is by rule.
Oh, such loyalty.
How delightful it is when one tries cultivate a new trait in one's character!
Do not scratch at her.
Mr. Freeman.
Mr. Molly.
Oh, how handsome you are.
How handsome you are Mr. Freeman.
Oh, but I...
I forgot my glasses.
You will be back in the streets.
Do you remember when we were young and we went off laid out in the snow,
and we opened all the windows in the board room,
and sat there as the snow fairies just swifted in.
And when your governess came in and we were making a snowman
and our hands were blue.
- Ah it was such funs. - Sounds marvellous.
So many things we have done together.
I do love ancient history.
Sorry Abigail, did you say something?
Oh, I was singing.
I cannot get a tune out of my head.
Well, there is so much room for it.
Lady Marlborough, you are such a wit.
Oh Abigail, you are a dear.
I think I shall retire for the evening.
Shall I prepare your bed queen Anne?
Or shall you and I join to your apartments for some Sherry?
Oh, sherry sounds just the ticket.
Good night Abigail.
Yes, good night dear Abigail.
You are enjoying this much, you know!
To be beloved, of course.
To see you trying to win me.
And what is not to love my dear.
You have to stop this ridiculous infatuation.
You have made your point.
Perhaps I was not making a point.
Perhaps because of my past.
Perhaps some malformation in my heart.
And blame my father of course, cunt.
I must take control of my circumstance.
I will need to act in a way that meets with the edges of my morality.
I wanna end up on the streets selling my asshole to syphilitic soldiers.
Steadfast morality would be a fucking nonsense that would mock me daily.
Not quite following.
I apologise, but do shush, when I'm thinking.
You hair is illustrous.
It's something people in court comment on.
Really?
I always thought of it is rather nest like.
Not at all.
Lady Marlborough.
I shall make you tea.
What a lovely idea, thank you Abigail.
- Of course. - Pat the kids hello.
Of course.
You will give that speech on the tax increase in parliament next week.
I dreamed of that man on the roadside with one eye.
What man?
We drove through town.
He looked at me in such a way, it made my blood chill.
So kind.
Abigail, do you think the people are angry?
Anne.
She does not know.
Oh, we should ask people.
Get some people in from the villages and ask them.
This is not how matters of state are dealt with.
People are led. They do not lead.
Would you leave Marlborough exposed?
He needs another batallion ready to join him and that means money.
Do not shout at me. I am the queen.
And for once, act like one.
Is the queen not riding today?
Do not speak to me.
I have thought on the terms of our friendship.
I thought it was unconditional love.
I will get you an ordnance for the queen, if you ask her a favour for me.
- Wait, you... - Harley you did not need me as an enemy.
As it turns out, I'm capable of much unpleasantness.
As am I.
You're so tiring, being like this.
The queen has taken a shine to me.
And I will drip poison into her ear, regarding you...
until she is mad with hatred for you.
Or... we could have a mutually advantageous friendship.
Count to three, yes or no?
Well, if you're so close to the queen, why don't just ask this favour yourself?
I do not want her to ever think I want anything from her.
- Have you counselled her for our side? - No.
The country's future hangs in the balance.
- My thing is what I wish to talk about. - You do not care.
I thought you were on our side.
I am on my side.
Always.
Sometimes it's a happy coincidence for you.
Like now.
You'll get a chance to save the country.
What tremendous luck to find you in the garden.
We were taking the air.
You do not like the war, I know that.
No, I do not.
But we must fight for what we fight for.
Godolphin and Lady Marlborough seem to have...
You did not get to hear from your loyal opposition.
I am briefed appropriately.
Not believe it.
- I mustn't will. - True.
Sadly true.
The war with the French will bleed us dry even if we win.
We are in our strongest position now
if Marlborough loses this next battle
we could lose all.
The people hate the war, you realise?!
They begin to hate you.
Lady Marlborough has not told you of the riots in Leeds?
No, she has not.
All I ask is that you search your heart.
- Of course. - Not Lady Marlborough's heart, your own.
I must talk to you of your maid also.
- Abigail? - I believe that is her name.
Since Colonel Masham has fallen for her, he wishes to marry.
She's just a maid.
It is irregular and inexplicable, but
being sentimental I moved to help if possible.
What do you mean she's not been seen?
She took a horse, your majesty.
It did not come back, and nor did she.
I shall send riders.
No.
I think she means to vex me.
Do not send riders.
- In case she has fallen though. - She is too good a rider for that.
I know what she is. Do not seek her.
Where am I?
You are in heaven.
That's God.
You'll meet him later.
I must go.
I don't think that's happening.
Lay back.
Stop infection.
Get Lady Marlborough.
Now!
Take me to her.
Find her!
There are wolves out there, are they not?
No your majesty.
I don't think so.
Perhaps she's gone to Blenheim. Her palace.
That is no palace yet. It is the woods.
We should check in the trees just to be sure.
Mr Harley.
Apologise.
I hope you find her and she is not dead in a ditch.
The business of state however cannot stop.
Your majesty,
there has been no word from the front in 2 weeks.
It is no doubt that Marlborough is in trouble.
We need to send a division immediately to help him.
Costing a fortune built on your paranoia and walking into God knows what.
We need... to wait.
I will think on it, for a while.
This cannot wait.
We need to act now.
Is is a bit like going late to your party?
If the party's going well. They do not need you and there is only intrusion...
but if it's going badly, you cannot save it,
and you tend to regret having putting on your nice gown for it.
It is not like a party.
I am sorry Prime Minister, passing thought.
I think it is like a party.
- A perfect analogy. - We will wait.
Make sure they have their best dresses on... so they are ready to moment's
notice, shift the division to the coast and have a boat at the ready.
Abigail.
My worries...
It's night out there, alone.
She's strong.
She will be fine.
Yes, she saved me my whole life.
Without her I'm nothing.
That is not true.
You are the queen.
I'm tired.
It hurts, everything hurts.
Everyone leaves me.
Dies.
Finally her.
If she's not dead, I will cut her throat.
She maybe doing this to hurt me.
Maybe dissolved and dissembled, I will not.
She will be fine.
- They will find her. - I don't care.
You
are a beautiful person.
You glow with loveliness.
He will marry you.
What?
Colonel Masham wishes to marry you.
- He does? - Yes. You've quite captured him.
That is absurd.
I have nothing to offer.
I am a pennyless servant. It would be glorious suicide for him.
Your first thought is for him.
- Oh you are a darling. - I care for him.
Not in the way I care for you.
But enough to marry.
I will not lie, I would like to be a lady again.
Yes, yes, this is right.
While she is gone,
if we wait, she will return and yell and stomp about it.
But, you must have this. This is my gift to you, and I demand you take it.
- Of course. - When? Let's, like now!
I, Abigail Hill,
take thee Samuel Masham, to be my lawful wedded husband.
I, Samuel Masham,
take thee, Abigail Hill, to be my lawful wedded wife.
It is most generous,
I am overwhelmed.
Excellent.
Oh and you are to take the apartments in the east wing.
- Thank you, your majesty. - Thank you.
Oh, it is fun to be queen sometimes.
One can only imagine.
You're looking to roam away.
Where would she've gone?
You said riders are looking for her.
I have told you before.
She would be sick for several days but
she would be nearly recovered by now.
She probably went back to Southampton.
To do what? To plan what?
To get ready?
I am as hard as a rock and it is our wedding night.
Lay still.
Now that she's gone, I find myself more concerened when she was here.
Or it's like she could strike from anywhere at any time.
Maybe we will not see it coming.
I must be calm.
She's gone.
I'm married.
But I must be ready.
And you need help me to be ready when I do not know, where my enemy is.
My life is like a maze that I continually thought I've gotten out of.
I need to find another, corner, right in front of me.
Boy.
Fetch me a cariage.
Mae says no.
I'm leaving.
Help me out.
Mae says no.
Are you feeling better then?
Is my horse alive? Or did you eat it?
I sold it.
You still owe me though.
You can suck for your supper,
from now on, I'll take twenty percent.
You seem posh.
Gents will like that.
Have you ever seen ten gold sovereigns.
In my dreams?
Go to Hyde park fountain, at 9 in the morning,
and you will see a man walking a duck.
What happened?
Are you alright?
That cunt, Abigail poisoned me.
Mary Magdalene here found me.
Did they rape you?
No. They didn't.
But gainful employment is on offer should I need it.
Abigail did this?
Yes.
How goes the Kingdom?
Lady Marlborough.
Oh dear.
The servant is dressed in the clothes of a lady. How...
whimsical?
My dear friend, and cousin.
How good to see you've returned from...
Hell!
I am sure you shall pass through it one day.
You've missed a few things.
My marriage.
It was a simple affair, but beautifully done.
Everyone leave.
You offer me tea, you will forgive me, if I don't accept.
I have searched my heart. And I did not have trust in it, and that is my shame.
I could not just stand by and let you destroy me.
You have perhaps taught me that.
But it's over now.
I have won.
I am safe.
We do not have to fight anymore, is that not grand?
If you just forgive me, we can be happy together.
Obviously you still have some anger to exuviate.
I'll allow it this once.
Congratulations, on your wedded bless.
Your face.
Do I look that bad?
For a man it'd be quite dashing a scar like this.
Where have you been, Sarah?
Why did you leave like that?
I went riding.
Some bandits attacked me.
Took me a while to fight them off.
- Oh your poor face. - You should see them.
And you've been well taken care of I trust?!
Some men were eventually sent to find me, I hear?!
I was worried for you. I thought you...
You did not do it to try and hurt me?
I do not play games with you.
I know, I know.
Look at me.
I will say this once and plainly, my dearest one,
you must send Abigail away,
from my heart Mrs. Molly, do it.
I do not want to.
She is a viper.
You're jealous.
You will do as I say.
The Prime minister and Mr. Harley.
What is it?
Thousand pardons your majesty, but word from the France.
What is happening?
Marlborough is ready.
He has them outflanked.
He needs a garrison to attack the coast.
Let them go to the party now.
- Of course, your majesty. - What party?
It happened while you were gone.
Thank you Gentlemen, keep me informed of progress.
It is good to see you home and looking so well, Lady Marlborough.
Now you did, very well with the divisions.
Yes, I know I did.
However the two new cabinet positions, they must stay with the wigs.
I am the queen.
Do no try to do that thing you do.
Do not try to manage this as you cannot.
I know that Harley has been in your ear and Abigail in your bed.
Enough.
You wil be as I wish you to be from now on. Do you understand?
Anne.
Don't. Don't.
Your face frightens me. Don't.
Goodnight, Lady Marlborough.
Morning.
It's a strange sight you are my dear.
It is better though.
Think I'm becoming quite sentimental as I get older.
Did you have the capacity for sentimentality?
I didn't think so either.
But so much is suprising me lately.
I started looking over some of the many, many, many lettters, you've written me.
I long for your embrace.
I long for the heat from your naked body on mine.
It's very intense. Very explicit.
I thought I misplaced some of them the other day. It was quite a fright.
What do you say that son of a bitch Jonathan Swift got his hands on them.
In his newspaper, the next day,
you would be ruined.
You would never,
You have no idea, what I would do for my country.
And for you.
Ruin me?
You'd do that?
I will use these letters
unless you annouce the tax rise, change the cabinet as I wish, and get rid of Abigail.
Do you not wish to know what I've decided?
I wish to know that you are happy. Then your
spirit will enlight him once this is done.
The queen requests the return of your key.
You will return it and vacate court today.
Where is she?
You will hand over the key.
The queen will not grant you an audience.
Anne!
I handed over my key.
This is Molly. You are angry. I know.
I am sorry.
I went quite mad for a moment.
Just open the door.
Please just...
Could you just...
This is Molly. Open the door.
I burnt the letters.
I burnt them.
Do what you will.
I will not come back.
Do you understand?
I will go and begone.
Abigail has done this.
She does not love you.
Because how could anyone?
She wants nothing from me unlike you.
She wants nothing from you and yet
somehow she is a lady with 2000 a year
and Harley sits on your knee most nights.
I wish you could love me as she does.
You wish me to lie to you?
You look like an angel fell from heaven, your majesty.
No.
Sometimes, you look like a badger.
And you could rely on me to tell you.
- Why? - Because I will not lie. That is love.
I have my duties to attend to.
I have...
I have over the last several months been unhappy with the government.
Lord Godolphin has lost my confidence.
Therefore, I am announcing a new prime minister.
Will be Mr. Harley.
Godolphin
I thank you for your service.
We will sue for peace with France immediately.
I have spoken.
All depart.
Leave that. I like it.
The mirrors stay too.
Oh my God, you actually think you've won.
Haven't I?
We are playing very different games.
All I know is, your carriage awaits.
And my maid is on her way up with something, called a pineapple.
Go?
Go.
Do it again.
I'm here.
Would you do my legs please?
Of course.
Hot towels, now.
Are you drunk?
I've had wine.
Very good wine.
You should have some.
- I'll get you some, what do you say? - No.
I don't understand these papers.
Feeling unwell.
Excuse me a moment.
Sorry, I am unwell.
Let Anna call the doctor for you my love.
Thank you.
Doctor.
What goes on?
They brokered a peace with the French.
- Giving up too much of course. - Of course.
Marlborough returns in a week.
Harley will move to have him replaced.
Now that peace with France has been made
Marlborough's return back to England is imminent.
I wonder your majesty, whether it is right that he is left as head of our forces.
I will rip his mole from his face.
You must stop it Godolphin.
He is a hero who won the peace for us.
Indeed, but he would have launched us into a bloody
war that would have ruined us, so there's that.
It will be easier to pull my strings if you are back at court.
A new era of peace and prosperity, a new day, a door to a new future,
this metaphor's about.
Oh, I'm tired. I will think on it.
Thank you all.
Obviously you have chosen to keep the particulars of your dismissal from me.
I shall leave a gap in the conversation for you to remedy that.
I do not know of women and their feelings
but I know they nurse their hearts like wailing newborns.
Godolphin.
I feel of surge of desire to see your nose broken.
Your point?
Your majesty,
may I approach the matter of Lady Marlborough?
No, you may not.
A breach in a dear friendship, surely this could be healed.
Some wounds do not close.
I have many such.
One does walks around with them
and sometimes one can feel them filling with blood.
A letter.
An apology of some sort that facilitates your return.
There are limits to what one can give.
Perhaps she could write you
and we could attempt to repair at least one wound in our queen.
Cannot stop her.
I imagine if it's pointless and I would dash the letter in to the fire.
But I cannot stop her.
You
cunt.
My god.
I miss you.
You sure this is all the mail?
You seek something?
No I,
favourite piece from my cousin at Florence.
I sure it'll come.
I dreamt
I
Stabbed you
in the
eye.
This cannot be all of it.
- It is my... - Don't lean on me.
Shall we request another fabric piece from your cousin in Florence?
Perhaps it was lost, or eaten by mice in the long journey.
No, I just want to know that all my mail is here.
Of course, footman, go and check again.
Immediately.
Incompetent.
My
Dearest
Molly.
I am in a quandary.
And you are my dearest one.
I do not know whether
- to speak of it. - What is it?
I'm not sure.
Oh I don't like this.
It will lodge this unknowable thing in my brain
and it would eat me with horrible possibilities.
It is not horrible, Dear Anne.
It is just money.
Money?
I have found in the books
large sums of money seemed to float to Marlborough.
But it did not reflect in the forces receipts of expenses.
What?
It is gone.
Shall I request it back on his return?
Quietly, perhaps?
Are you saying Sarah diverted money to him.
It does seem so.
Some seven thousand.
She would not.
- It is just... - She would not.
I am of course perhaps mistaken in the bookkeeping.
Sometime all these numbers are dizzying and...
They're as fickle as humans, they often do add up.
On second or third attempt.
There is a simple explanation I'm not seeing.
We shall banish it from our minds.
Shall we take the children for a walk in the garden?
No, thank you. I need to rest.
You may leave.
Fuck.
I need to put it back.
Begone.
Marlborough is at Southampton, we need a decision.
Your majesty, if I may,
There is very little mail today.
Quite, if I may, the situation with Marlborough.
He is stealing from me.
What?
Your majesty, that is preposterous.
Lady Abigail, is it not true...
they have stolen from me, damaged us?
Yes.
It is all there in black and white.
She must be ruined.
Banished from their beloved England. They are not loyal.
They would hurt us, our country, the queen.
- Your majesty, if I may... - No, you may not!
He will be charged. They will be banished.
I have spoken, get out!
Oh, the mail is here.
I suddenly feel so tired of England my darling.
Perhaps we should go somewhere else.
Anne.
- Let's get you in a chair. - How dare your touch the queen like that?
- I'm sorry. - I did not ask you to speak.
Rub my leg.
- You should lay down. - You shall speak when asked to.
I feel dizzy.
I need to hold onto something.