Chapter 26
After a dinner that went better than Meredith had anticipated, the queen led the group back into the previous room for after-dinner drinks. But before long she announced it was time for the children to go to bed. She locked eyes with Meredith, as if to make it clear she was excused as well.
“I’ve enjoyed your company,” she told Phil before motioning to the children.
“Say your goodnights,” she quietly told them, not that they needed her direction.
While they politely told the adults goodnight, Phil tried to entice Meredith to stick around for the remainder of the evening, but as Mishka and Kat stopped in front of their grandmother, Meredith reminded the friendly young man of her nanny responsibilities.
Her eyes were on the queen as the older woman bent to kiss her grandchildren’s foreheads, pausing to tenderly touch their cheeks with genuine affection.
In that moment, Meredith saw the woman in a slightly different light.
What a responsibility it must be to be queen.
Mishka hurried directly to Meredith, linking his arm into hers with a big smile. “Now we can read my book,” he whispered. She nodded as Kat joined them, and holding her head high with a royal child on each arm, they made their exit.
After the children were in bed, Meredith sat down and pondered over the evening.
Clearly the queen wanted Meredith out of there, and for the first time, Meredith understood why.
Her presence was a distraction to Spencer.
Even if he was only interested in a little fling, it would be unwanted by the queen.
Not to mention unwanted by Meredith. If it weren’t for the children, she would be content to pack her bags and leave tonight.
But that was wrong. She needed the chance to tell Kat and Mishka a proper goodbye. Perhaps tomorrow.
As she got ready for bed, she prayed about it, asking God to help her part ways without any hurt feelings.
It wouldn’t be easy, but it was necessary.
As she climbed beneath the covers, she was mindful of the Sound of Music again.
It was actually rather amusing in a bittersweet way.
This must’ve been a bit how Maria felt that night when the baroness sent her packing back to the convent.
At least Meredith didn’t have to become a nun.
And she still had her tour of Europe to look forward to.
Really, her work here was done. Best to move on.
The sooner the better. She should be relieved…
yet she felt a heaviness as she drifted to sleep.
When she awoke it was to the jangling of her phone. Taking a moment to get her bearings, she grabbed it up to see Dad on her caller ID. As it was well past midnight, she braced herself. “Dad? Are you okay?”
“I’m great, honey.”
“Oh, good. It’s just so late, I thought maybe it was an emergency.”
“Sorry. It’s midday here. I wanted to touch base with you while I had the chance. How are things with the prince and the other royals?”
She gave him a quick lowdown, finally explaining her plan to evacuate the castle tomorrow. “As soon as I make the children understand.”
“Jumping ship?”
“The queen wants me to go.”
“Did she fire you?”
“Not in so many words, but…well, I can just tell.”
“What happened?” he asked.
And so she explained Kat’s theory that the queen might we worried about Spencer’s misdirected affections.
“Does she have reason to be worried?”
“I don’t think so, but I suppose there have been moments that seemed romantic. So I do think it’s wise to move on. For everyone’s sake.”
“For your sake too?”
“I don’t want to be hurt, Dad. I’ve already been through one heartbreak.”
“Oh? So the prince could break your heart?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. I just know I need to go.”
“I hope you’re not giving up too soon.”
“Giving up?” She frowned. “Is that what you think?”
“Isn’t that what you’re doing?”
She wasn’t sure but didn’t like the sound of that.
“Listen, Meri, if the prince is the man I suspect he is—and I think he is based on what you’ve already told me—why don’t you let him have his say in all this?”
“What are you suggesting? That I corner him and demand to know if his intentions are honorable?”
Dad laughed. “I guess that would be awkward.”
“Maybe you’d like to pop on over here and have a word with the young man,” she teased. “Bring your shotgun with you?”
“You’re not suggesting I need one, are you?”
“Of course not. But I really don’t think I want to push Spencer. If he has an interest, he should make it plain.” She thought of the kiss again. What had it meant to him?
“What if you leave before he has a chance to make it plain?”
“What are you suggesting?”
“When in doubt, don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t leave, Meri. Not yet anyway. Give him a bit of time. For your sake as much as for the prince’s. How would you feel if you left too soon and later discovered you had broken his heart?”
“Me break his heart?” Now she described Astrid, the potential new wife.
“And this woman was his choice?”
“No…the queen and Astrid’s parents are just hoping she will be.”
“Give the prince a chance, Meri. Let him make up his mind.”
“But, Daddy.” Meredith suddenly felt like a child. “Even if he wanted to choose me, what would that really mean? The queen would probably have a fit. And I don’t know anything about being part of a royal family.”
“Aren’t you learning right now? You’re an intelligent woman. You’d figure it out.”
“But I would have to live over here. What about you?”
“I know how to get on a plane. And I’ve always wanted to explore Europe. Are you saying I wouldn’t be welcome there?”
She sighed. “Of course, I would welcome you. But this whole thing sounds ridiculous. I can’t believe we’re even talking about it.
In the light of day, I will probably think I dreamed this whole thing.
It’s crazy, Dad. Really, I plan to let them know I’m leaving.
The children are in good hands here. I’ve met the old nanny, and she’s sweet.
And even the queen, in her own way, loves her grandchildren. I think my work is done.”
“What about God’s work?” he challenged. “What if He’s not done?”
“I’ll pray about it.”
“Good for you, honey. I’ll be praying too. By the way, we may have to end our hike early.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Wildfires ahead. They may be closing down our next section of PCT.”
“I’m sorry.”
“We’ll just pick it up next year. Gives us something to look forward to. That and the possibility of coming over to Rotslavia to visit my princess.”
“Oh, Dad.” She chuckled. “I love you.”
“I love you too, honey. God bless.”
“You too. Stay safe.” As she shut down her phone, she considered his challenge to stay longer.
Okay, maybe he was right. What could it hurt?
And what if the queen did throw her out like Meredith kept imagining?
Well, that would be an answer too. And, really, a few more days with the children, gently hinting that all good things must come to an end, probably wouldn’t hurt either.
As it turned out, Meredith didn’t get much time with the children for the next few days.
The queen had most of their time booked with Astrid and her family, and Meredith, not surprisingly, was not included.
Left to her own devices, Meredith enjoyed the down time.
She explored the castle and town independently, discovering that Rotslavia was even more charming than she thought.
People were warm and friendly, and despite language barriers, they were quite helpful.
Still, she wondered why she had remained here.
What was the point? For all she knew, Spencer and Astrid might be engaged and making wedding plans.
Of course, that would simplify her exodus from Rotslavia as well as the children’s lives.
Perhaps it would all work out for the best in the long run.
It was a good exercise in patience…and in trusting God.
Finally, on the fourth day of Astrid’s visit, Kat announced her grandmother’s plans to give a formal ball in honor of Kat’s thirteenth birthday.
“I think it’s really for Astrid,” Kat confided as Meredith helped her with her hair. “Grandmama wants Papa to be seen with her by everyone. My birthday is just an excuse for it.”
“A birthday ball sounds like fun to me. You should just enjoy it, Kat.”
“I’d enjoy it more if I had some friends there.”
“What about Kalina?” Meredith asked. “Could you invite her?”
“That’s a brilliant idea. Will you help me ask Grandmama?”
Meredith cringed. She hadn’t crossed paths with the queen since the dinner party. “I don’t think that’s necessary. You can ask her yourself, Kat.”
“She’ll treat me like a child. That’s what she does when she doesn’t want me to have my way.”
“Why wouldn’t she want you to invite your friend?”
“Probably because she’s not from the right kind of family.” Kat stuck out her lower lip.
“Then why not ask your father?”
“He’s gone. He had to accompany Astrid and her family to Switzerland.”
“Oh?” She wanted to ask why, but it was none of her business. Besides, why should the nanny care? “Well, can’t you wait until your father returns?”
“Grandmama is already sending invitations.” She turned away from the mirror. “Please, Meri, you’re not afraid to stand up to her. Can’t you do that for me?”
Meredith smiled. “Sure, why not?” The worst that could happen was the queen could have her thrown out of the country. And that might be a blessing in disguise.
Kat hugged Meredith. “Thank you. If Kalina can come, the ball may actually be fun.”