“Yes, I wouldn’t want to offend my guests.” The queen’s smile looked forced. “Go, Miss Cardwell. Make yourself appropriate and return at once.”

  “But I—”

  “Do not argue with the queen.” Her dark eyes grew darker.

  “Come on, Meri.” Kat tugged her hand. “I’ll help you.”

  “But I—”

  “You are excused,” the queen declared with a wave of her hand.

  As Kat dragged her down the hallway and toward the stairs, Meredith knew she was a fish out of water. What had her façade of confidence gotten her into? “I don’t have proper clothes,” she quietly told Kat. “Why don’t you let me just go back up, and you can send my apologies to the queen.”

  “No.” Kat shook her head. “She’ll think she’s won. You need to go down and stand up to her.”

  “Stand up to her?”

  “She’s challenging you. Don’t let up, Meri. Show her you know what you’re talking about.”

  “What if I don’t know what I’m talking about?” Meredith laughed at the irony. She’d just given a lecture on personal confidence, yet she felt like she was floundering.

  “I think there’s something more at stake here, Meri.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I overheard Papa on his phone with her earlier.” Kat paused at the foot of the stairs, glancing around, then continued. “He was speaking with Grandmama—and he was defending you.”

  “Defending me?”

  “That’s what it sounded like.”

  “I appreciate your concern, Kat, but you really shouldn’t repeat an overheard conversation.”

  “But Grandmama wants to get rid of you. I know it.”

  Meredith couldn’t argue with her there.

  “I’ve never seen her act like she did tonight. I think she’s intimidated by you, Meri.”

  “The queen is intimidated by me?” She laughed. “I think you’re imagining things.”

  “I think Grandmama is worried about Papa…”

  “Worried how?”

  “Grandmama thinks he’s too interested in you, Meri.”

  She remembered the kiss and wondered if the room had security cameras watching? After all, Spencer had mentioned the tightened security. What if that little exchange had been observed?

  “Well, that is ridiculous.” Meredith wanted to change the subject. “I’m curious, Kat, what did your grandmother actually say about you wearing makeup? I didn’t think she’d even notice.”

  “She didn’t notice.” Kat made a growling sound. “It was my brat of a brother. He squealed.”

  “Oh, dear.”

  “I’m going to kill him.”

  “No, you aren’t, Kat. Murder is not becoming to a princess.” She forced a laugh then changed topic again. “If I’m going down to dine with royalty, what am I to wear?”

  “That blue gown you got in Vienna. You looked so beautiful in it.”

  “Is it too formal?”

  “No, I saw how the guests were dressed. To the nines, Papa would say, although I’m not sure what that means exactly. But it’s definitely a formal dinner.”

  They went into the room, and with Kat’s help, Meredith managed to pull off a quick-change act and even pinned her hair into a loose french twist that Kat proclaimed looked perfect. Then they hurried back down to where the queen was playing hostess as drinks were being served. Chatting with her was a regal looking older couple and a dignified middle-aged couple.

  Gathered around Spencer was a handsome pair. A dark-haired man in evening wear, and an attractive blonde woman who looked like a glamorous Hollywood actress in a form-fitting glittering silver gown with a rather high slit. The blonde was engaged in what seemed a lively conversation with Spencer, but the man next to her looked bored. The woman’s laugh had a light tinkling quality, and she seemed as sparkling as her attire.

  Despite herself, Meredith felt a wave of jealousy and to her dismay, she once again recalled that solitary kiss from the other night. Her cheeks warmed to the memory, and she wondered, for the umpteenth time, if it had meant anything. Perhaps she would never know.

  Determined not to show vulnerability or reveal her true feelings, she squared her shoulders, pasted on a socially appropriate smile, and with her arm linked with Kat’s, entered the room as if she too were royalty. Meredith might be a nobody from a small town in Oregon, but she reminded herself she was the daughter of the King of the Universe. She would hold her head high. And if Kat were right—if the queen wanted this to be her chance to be rid of the unwanted nanny—well, bring it.

  25

  As Meredith came into the room, the bored man lit up. Excusing himself, he came directly over to Meredith, warmly greeting her in what sounded like high school German. She apologized, also in awkward German, explaining that she spoke English.

  “Perfect.” He beamed. “Absolutely brilliant. English is my mother tongue as well.” He peered closely at her. “But I detect an accent. Are you by any chance a Yank?”

  “Guilty as charged. And you sound British to me.”

  “Right-o.” He grinned. “I am Phillip Winchester the Third. And who may I ask are you?”

  “I am Meredith Cardwell the first.” She grinned and stuck out her hand. “Honored to make your acquaintance, Mr. Winchester.”

  “Not as honored as I am. Please, call me Phil.” He winked at Kat as he continued to hold Meredith’s hand. “I thought the princess here was to be my only youthful companion. Well, and the prince too, of course.” He tipped his head to where Mishka was trapped in a conversation with his grandmother and the other couples. Although she wasn’t responsible for his courtly manners, she felt proud to see him behaving in a way befitting a prince.

  “What, may I ask, allows us your lovely presence tonight? A friend of Prince Spencer’s perhaps?” He still held her hand gently.

  “Well, yes, I’m sort of a friend of Prince Spencer’s family.” She winked at Kat. “I’m the governess to his charming children.”

  Phillip’s brows arched as if this wasn’t the answer he’d expected, but he smiled. Still holding her fingertips, he lifted her hand and kissed it. “I’m pleased that you graced us with your charming company tonight.”

  She blushed and hoped he hadn’t misread her friendliness, but continuing to smile, she extracted her hand from his. “I didn’t have much choice since the queen insisted. Speaking of that.” She nudged Kat. “I think your grandmother is summoning you.” With a fixed smile, Meredith nodded at the queen. “Better not keep her waiting, Princess Katerina.”

  Kat rolled her eyes, and Meredith suppressed a laugh. “Remember your new confidence,” she whispered. “Don’t prove me wrong, Princess.”

  Kat brightened, and putting a spring in her step, went over to the queen and the elderly couple.

  Seeing that Phil had not been scared off by her admission, Meredith glanced around then lowered her voice. “May I ask what connection you are to the royal family? As you may imagine, I don’t know anyone here, other than the royal family.”

  “My paternal grandparents are the elderly couple visiting with the queen. Earl Phillip Winchester the first and Countess Alexandra. The other couple would be my illustrious parents, Phillip the second and Margaret. And that woman shamelessly flirting with Prince Spencer is my older sister Astrid.” He lowered his voice even more. “She is why we are here. The queen is matchmaking for the prince. And my family couldn’t be more pleased. They’ve been hoping to get Astrid settled for a decade, and it was no secret she was one of the candidates for the prince, but Astrid has been extremely finicky.” He chuckled. “Although it seems she is quite taken with Prince Spencer.”

  “Indeed.”

  “Astrid is ten years older than me, and my grandparents are worried she’s about to become a spinster.” He laughed. “Both families are hoping for a wedding. You see, my grandparents were friends of Prince Spencer’s parents and quite involved in the match between him and the late princess.” He grimly shook his head. “Sad loss that was.”

  “It’s been hard on the children.”

  “I’ve heard the queen has been interviewing new wife possibilities for a couple of years, but the prince has not shown much interest. Can’t say I blame him, I’ve seen some of the candidates. The theory is they were saving the best for last, meaning Astrid.”

  “Well, your sister is certainly beautiful.” Meredith’s fixed smile was starting to ache slightly. This could be a long evening.

  “Looks are only skin deep,” he whispered.

  “Oh?” Concern for Mishka and Kat came over her. “Does your sister like children?”

  “Roasted or fried?” He laughed. “Sorry, poor joke.”

  She lowered her voice. “She doesn’t care for children?”

  “I’m sure she could tolerate them well enough.” He smiled slyly. “Especially with the right governess on hand. Although I doubt she’d concede to a pretty one like you.” He chuckled. “If the prince goes for Astrid, you will likely kiss your employment goodbye.”

  “It’s only a temporary position. In fact, if the queen had her way, I’m sure I’d be gone by now.” Maybe before the evening was over. She watched a servant walk by with a tray of beverages.

  “Makes me wish I had children. I’d hire you myself.” Phil chuckled as he picked up a glass for her and another for himself. As they sipped their drinks, he questioned her about a myriad of things. Grateful for his company to distract her from watching Spencer, who had his back toward her, she attempted to be charmingly congenial and interesting.

  A bell chimed, and the group was informed that dinner was served. As she followed the others to the formal dining room, Phil took her arm, acting as if she too were royalty. She knew he was just playing, but she appreciated his attentiveness. And throughout the meal, where he and she were seated at the end of the table, away from those with heftier titles, Phil acted as her charming dinner date, introducing her to his family without mentioning her position. Instead, he called her a friend of the family from America and even told them about her two-year stint helping children in Papua New Guinea. Perhaps he painted her a bit too charitably, but she was grateful. And unless she was imagining it, Spencer was watching with interest. Was his mother-in-law right? Was he too interested in the nanny? Or perhaps just curious.

  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.