Queen Victoria by Winterhalter
Princess Victoria felt her feverish forehead and groaned. She threw off her bedclothes in an effort to become cooler. She thought that she was near death in her more lucid moments.
The princess opened her eyes to see the dark figure of John Conroy, who dominated her mother, entering the room. He demanded that she sign a document. The princess knew that her mother, the Duchess of Kent, wanted to be Regent when Victoria came to the throne and that Conroy would then have control. She refused repeatedly as her mother and Conroy begged for her signature over and over again.
Princess Victoria had had to endure the 'Kensington system' for most of her life. This involved all of her actions being reported to Conroy. The princess couldn't associate with other children, was never left alone, and slept in her mother's room.
After she reached the golden age of 18 Victoria's mother tried to blackmail her into appointing Conroy as her advisor and Conroy threatened to lock her up and starve her if she didn't submit to their demands.
When the princess became Queen she removed her mother to distant rooms and eventually got rid of Conroy. When she married Prince Albert she was finally free.
Princess Victoria showed great strength of character by refusing to be dominated by her mother and the evil Conroy. Follow her example and don't let yourself be told what to do too easily. Trust your instincts and think for yourself if you don't agree with advice.
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