#alnwickroyals

[Philippa] Hi Granny.

[Jacqueline] Oh, look at you! Thank you for coming to visit.

[Victoria] Hello, Granny. 

[Jacqueline] My dear, how are you?

[Victoria] Granny, I wanted you to talk to Pippa about your marriage.

[Jacqueline] What about it, dear?

[Victoria] My mother told me about it. How you and Grandpa had an arranged marriage. 

[Philippa] You did?

[Jacqueline] We did. Your great-grandfather and I had an arranged marriage. Our parents were friends, and Reginald had trouble finding a girl who was willing to be queen.

[Philippa] Why did you agree to it?

[Jacqueline] I thought he was handsome and kind. But it wasn't easy at first. He didn't want the marriage, and I know that he married me just to tick the box.

[Philippa] Did it get better?

[Jacqueline] Oh, of course. It took time. Your grandfather Thomas wasn't born until well into our marriage. But our marriage was happy. And I miss him everyday.

—

[Philippa] So who is it?

[Victoria] What?

[Philippa] Who are you arranging my marriage with?

[Victoria] Pippa, I -

[Philippa] I’m not stupid. You obviously took me to see Granny so she could tell us how her arranged marriage worked out. You clearly already have a plan.

[Victoria sighs] If you wanted to have one, there is someone who has agreed. Remember when you told me you’d rather have someone in your position? Someone who knows how to live this life?

[Philippa] Yes?

[Victoria] Do you still think that?

[Philippa] Just tell me who it is. 

[Victoria] Alexander De Villiers.

[Philippa] I am doomed.

[Victoria] I take it that it didn't go well today with Edison. 

[Philippa] We talked for about 5 minutes before he turned his sights on Maud.

[Victoria] Oh, dear. 

[Philippa] Like I told you. I'm doomed. 

[Victoria] Pippa, you're not doomed. You just have to be open. Be yourself.

[Philippa] You don't get it. You don't know what it's like to be her sister, in this position.

[Victoria] Surely Maud doesn't get the attention of all of the guys you like.

[Philippa] Well they might not if you weren't breathing down my neck all the time to get married.

[Victoria] Me? What do I have to do with this?

[Philippa] You remind me all the time about how old you were when your father died. How Uncle Henry was almost King because you were single and he had kids and all of that. 

[Victoria] I'm sorry, Pippa. I didn't realize that added so much pressure.

[Philippa] You are so lucky that Dad wanted to marry you. Nobody wants to talk to me, let alone think about a future. They would have to give everything up. It would almost be easier to find someone in my position.

[Victoria] Maybe it would. ---- [Victoria] Mariam, can you please get me Amelia De Villiers on the phone? 

[Caroline] Edmond?

[Edmond] Hey Caroline.

[Caroline] Hi.

[Edmond] Maud and I have a date. Do you know if she's almost ready?

[Caroline] Maud isn't here. Did she not tell you?

[Edmond] What? No.

[Caroline] She flew to Monaca last night to be with Cora. She told me she wanted to be there for her during the pregnancy announcement. I'm just house sitting.

[Edmond] Oh. She didn't tell me. We had a date planned, we were going to go out.

[Caroline] I'm sorry. She should have told you.

[Edmond] It's fine. I could have gone home this weekend but I didn't because I wanted to spend time with her... whatever. Sorry to bother you, Caroline. Have a nice night!

[Caroline] Wait! I mean, if you want, we could just hang here? I already ordered a pizza and was going to watch that new war movie. No pressure, but I feel bad, given my sister blew you off and everything... and sorry if this is so forward, you probably can make other plans -

[Edmond] No, that actually sounds really fun. Do you mind if I take some of your pizza?

[Queen Victoria] Please don't argue with me, Reggie.

[Reginald] But I don't want an arranged marriage. Why can't you give me a little more time?

[King Leopold] We've given you 5 years, Reginald. Yet you refuse to make even an attempt at becoming serious with any girl who has any potential.

[Victoria] We are tired of your antics. You'll marry Lady Jacqueline. She's lovely - don't you think she's lovely, Leo?

[Leopold] I do. And more importantly, she'll make a good queen.

[Reginald] Come on. It's 1982, please, please don't make me do this.

[Victoria] No. It's already been done. I've spoken with the Baron and Baronness Avonlea and it's done. You and Lady Jacqueline will be married in the fall.

[Reginald] You're being ridiculous.

[Leopold] No, you're being stupid. Do you intend to be king?

[Reginald] I do.

[Victoria] Then I suggest you start acting like it.

[Victoria] Sibella, it’s time to wake up. Did you have a good nap?

[Victoria] Caroline, let’s wake up sweetheart.

[Victoria] There’s a surprise for you in the living room.

[Victoria] Thank you so much for finding time in your schedule to talk, Amelia.

[Amelia] It's no problem at all. How are things with Philippa?

[Victoria] She's discouraged. She told me recently that it would just be easier to find someone in her position - someone who doesn't know what it's like to live normally.

[Amelia] Someone royal?

[Victoria] I think that's what she meant. But I didn't tell her about our conversation. Have you spoken with Alexander?

[Amelia] I have. He was receptive to the idea, which surprised me. He agreed to it right then and there.

[Victoria] Oh? Well, that's a relief. I expected him to be our biggest hurdle.

[Amelia] So did I but he's on board. When are you going to bring it up to her?

[Victoria] I'm taking her to speak with my grandmother, Queen Jacqueline, tomorrow. I'll tell her after.