What the devil do you mean, poking holes in my bedroom? I... I wanted to watch my wife....

Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: What the devil do you mean, poking holes in my bedroom? Grand Duke Peter: I... I wanted to watch my wife. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: [She slaps him] Watching your wife won't give you an heir to the throne. The next time I catch you providing my rooms with needless ventilation, I'll have you flogged. I'll catch my death of a draft someday! Now go back to your rooms and wait for your wife! Go on! [to Catherine] Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: This is all your fault. I had hoped by bringing you to Russia to make a man of that half-wit! Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie': I'm sorry to intrude, Your Imperial Majesty, but I think the grand duke dropped one of his soldiers in here. [Catherine hands her a toy soldier] Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie': Thank you. Good night. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: Wait a minute. Come here. How long have you been at this court, picking up soldiers? Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie': Two years and a half, Your Imperial Majesty. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: I fail to recall your exact duties here, Countess Elizabeth. Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie': I'm in charge of the entertainment for His Imperial Highness, the grand duke. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: And exactly how far is it to your home, Lizzie? Countess Elizabeth 'Lizzie': My ancestral home is in the province of Astrakhan, about two weeks' journey from Moscow. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: Not as far as I had hoped. I think His Imperial Highness has been entertained long enough. Do you understand me? I don't want to see you around here again. Now get out. [Countess Elizabeth exits] Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: She won't snoop around here anymore. I should have thrown her out before I had you brought here. Come here, Catherine. Sit down. Haven't you given me trouble enough? Are you going to behave like an obedient wife, or must I continue to treat you like a stubborn child? Princess Sophia Frederica: I don't care what you do with me. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: You might change your mind about that. You're in love with His Excellency, Count Alexei, aren't you? Princess Sophia Frederica: No, Your Majesty, I'm not. I'm not. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: It's a good thing you're not. I wouldn't advise you to become my rival. Princess Sophia Frederica: Rival? What does Your Majesty mean? Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: You'll find out soon enough. In the meantime, you can blow out the candles. Before you retire, you can be of one more service. Behind my mirror, a concealed passage will lead you down a flight of stairs to another door. Behind that door you will find someone waiting to come up. I don't want him to see you, so be careful. Princess Sophia Frederica: Good night, Your Majesty. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: Good night, Catherine. And you don't need to report for duty until late tomorrow.