“That’s just weird,” Kat said.
“Weird? Taking our plates to the kitchen?”
“Grandmama would not approve.”
“Does she not approve of kindness? Helpfulness? Appreciation?” Meredith was gathering her own place setting as Kat pondered this.
“Grandmama expects us to behave like royalty.” Kat’s tone was firmer than her expression.
“I understand.” Meredith studied the girl. “But I always thought a ruler was supposed to serve the people. Am I wrong about that?”
Kat’s brow furrowed. “I guess not.”
“So how do you do that? How does a royal serve the people?”
Kat shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“If I were you, I’d want to find out.” Meredith picked up the coffee carafe with her free hand. “Should we plan on tennis at, say, ten o’clock?”
Kat’s eyes lit up. “Sure.”
As Meredith went into the kitchen, where Mrs. Warner was expressing shock that Mishka had carried his own plate to the kitchen, she considered the challenge she’d just tossed downbefore Princess Katerina. Not the tennis match, although that would probably be interesting. But the part about royals serving the people. She wondered if Kat might really consider that…or if she’d dismiss this preposterous idea. Meredith had been tempted to turn her challenge into a sermon. Hadn’t the King of the Universe left His throne on high to come down and serve His people? Maybe Meredith was being idealistic, but shouldn’t an earthly ruler be willing to serve too?
9
The tennis match turned out to be interesting. For starters, Kat was surprisingly good, especially for someone her age. Beyond that, Mishka became strangely engaged with the game, calling out encouragement to Meredith and asking questions about scoring when they paused for water breaks. But perhaps most interesting was that just as Meredith, a fierce competitor, was about to win and break the two-match tie by doing so, she decided to miss. Hearing Kat’s victorious whoop of delight as the ball sailed past, Meredith felt a tinge of regret. This went against everything Dad had taught her about giving her best—whether it was tiddlywinks or tennis. She’d always refused to throw a match, even for a handsome crush with a big ego. And just like that she’d let this one go. But seeing Kat’s satisfied face, she hoped it was for a good reason. The girl needed a confidence boost.
Meredith disguised her pleasure at this minor accomplishment as she approached the net. Wearing a defeated expression, she congratulated the victor. “Nice shot.” Shemaintained a flat tone, although smiling inside. “You’re really good, Kat!”
Kat smiled as she mumbled thanks. But then her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “But you were right on it. You could’ve returned that shot.”
“Maybe so. I guess I was tired.” Meredith sighed. “And it’s been a while since I’ve played. I’m not as young as I used to be.”
“Right.”
“I hope you’ll give me a rematch,” Meredith said. “Another day.”
“I guess.” Kat’s sideways glance suggested she’d give her a rematch and then some.
Mishka came over and gave Meredith a consoling pat on the back. “You were really good. I thought you were going to win for sure.”
“Did you learn anything about the game by watching us play?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Well, we’ll have to give you lessons,” she told him.
“Now?” His eyes lit up.
“Do you have a racket?”
“No.” He looked hopefully at his sister.
“How about yours, Kat?” Meredith knew the answer before Kat opened her mouth.
“Forget it, brat.” She zipped the expensive racket into its case. “This is mygoodracket.”
“Well, I don’t even have one—”
