(The words "Buckingham House, March 1784" appear as Buckingham House is shown at night. Inside, GEORGE III is shown settling into bed. Enter PAGE #1.)
PAGE #1
Her Majesty Queen Charlotte wishes to enter Your Majesty's presence.
GEORGE III
(Pleased)
Ah. Let her in.
(PAGE #1 bows and exits. QUEEN CHARLOTTE, wearing her nightgown, enters and curtseys.)
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
Good evening, Your Majesty.
(Note: QUEEN CHARLOTTE has a thick German accent)
GEORGE III
(Nods)
Your Majesty.
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
(Sits on the bed)
We are to attend the opera tomorrow, no?
GEORGE III
(Smiling mildly)
Indeed, madam. I have been much anticipating it the past fortnight. There is little I love in this world so much as music.
(Beat)
I caught word that our Amelia made a first attempt to walk today. Is it true?
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
It is, sir. I heard it from Lady Finch, but I regret I was not present to witness it.
GEORGE III
'Tis a shame that I missed it also...
(Beat)
Children are such blessings, and how fortunate we are to have twelve of them!
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
(Puzzled, after a pause)
Thirteen, Your Majesty.
GEORGE III
(Falling out of his daze)
What?
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
We have thirteen children, sir, not twelve: Amelia, Sophia, Mary, Adolphus, Augustus, Ernest, Elizabeth, Augusta, Edward, Charlotte, William, Frederick, and...
GEORGE III
(Distressed, shaking his head)
Pray, do not mention...the eldest.
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
Forgive me, Your Majesty. 'Twas not my intention to upset you.
GEORGE III
(Gently taking her hand)
No, no, my Charlotte. You are not to blame for our son's despicable behavior...
(Getting upset)
I simply do not understand it. Despite his keen intelligence, which his tutors often praised, he remains the most foolish person in my acquaintance!
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
Your Majesty...
GEORGE III
With us for parents, and the Creator for a guide, how could he have become so corrupted?
(A flashback begins, and GEORGE III talks throughout it. St. James Palace is shown along with the words "ST. JAMES PALACE, AUGUST 12, 1762." A midwife hands the INFANT PRINCE OF WALES to a YOUNG PRINCE OF WALES, who marvels at the large baby with love and awe. A tired YOUNG QUEEN CHARLOTTE looks on happily from her bed.)
YOU ARE READING
The Drunken Feathers
Tarihi KurguIn this biographical series that begins in 1784, twenty-one-year-old George, Prince of Wales-- the eldest son of King George III and heir to the British throne-- spends his youth idly by keeping countless mistresses, drinking profusely, and making f...
