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.
 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.
 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.
 it will not surprise you to hear that she continues steadfast in her refusal to accept any public engagements, however trivial.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 as to that decision, along with all others, we remain, as ever, prisoners of the queen's grief. ever your devoted husband, henry.
windsor.
a fine choice, sir.
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.
i'm sorry?
you'll be sent a message.
her highness' equerry.
i'm sure it won't be difficult to find you.
then we'll have to see what can be arranged.
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.
in matters concerning the household, i act on her behalf.
yes. i do.
as i am sure you remember from balmoral, you do not talk while in her majesty's presence unless her majesty addresses you directly.
mr brown, ma'am.
i'm very sorry, ma'am. i can't imagine -- he was certainly given no instructions.
of course, at once.
what on earth did you think you were doing?
you do not report for duty unless the queen requests it. you know that very well.
you will await your orders like everyone else. unless you prefer a repeat of yesterday's little excitement.
i beg your pardon?
i thought i made myself perfectly clear. you do not leave your room until her majesty requests it.
go inside at once.
yes, it most certainly is!
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. 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.
he thought, perhaps, your majesty might wish to be informed of the latest developments in government.
then perhaps your majesty might consider it opportune if the prince of wales were to meet him on your behalf?
oh god, not the pipes!
she'll need to sign dispatches before she retires.
there are important papers from --
we were expecting you to return by six.
no, she wasn't.
don't even think about it.
i believe that decision rests with her majesty.
i don't doubt that the queen was highly amused. she has always had a very healthy sense of humor.
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.
we are all of us subject to forces beyond our control, mr brown, even you.
again?
"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."
i have no idea.
i -- forgive me, ma'am, i am no wiser than yourself.
your majesty --
 to be followed by a visit from lady bridport. she is keen to secure a place for her niece as maid of honor.
there is one other matter.
i have a letter, ma'am.
from princess helena and other members of your family.
they are demanding the dismissal of john brown on grounds of drunkeness.
ma'am?
ma'am.
may i say, how glad i am to see your majesty so much recovered.
the queen will be riding to st. george's on the fifth.
not too protracted, i hope.
the queen wishes to publish an account of him.
we think she can be dissuaded. have you had a glance at the diary?
quite. i think i'd best take it back.
some young page was boasting about having seen it. lucky.
No, indeed.