POZitive Attitudes

In 1708, Britain is at war with the French, and Queen Anne sits on the throne. In frail health due to gout, Anne does not express much interest in governing the kingdom, instead preferring eccentric activities such as racing lobsters and playing with her rabbits, which represent the seventeen children she has lost over the years. Her confidant, adviser, and secret lover Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, effectively rules the country by the confidences she instructs to the Queen. Sarah’s efforts to control Anne are undermined by Robert Harley, a member of Parliament and influential landowner responsible for bringing in state taxes for the war.

Meanwhile, Abigail Hill, Sarah’s impoverished younger cousin, arrives at Court in search of employment. Abigail’s history is tainted by her father, who has gambled away his good name and previously handed over his daughter to settle his debts to a German. Abigail is at first forced to do menial work as a scullery maid in the palace, but after seeing the Queen’s condition, she figures out an opportunity to ingratiate herself into the good graces of Sarah and, eventually, Queen Anne herself. She uses herbs to aid the Queen’s inflamed legs, and though she is initially punished by Sarah for her presumption, the remedy eases the Queen’s suffering. In gratitude, Sarah makes Abigail her lady-in-waiting.