“Are we talking about the Kalina girl?”
“I think she may be Kat’s first real friend. It’s important for her development.” She launched into teacher mode, explaining the values of socialization and how the habits formed in childhood would carry through adulthood. “If Kat’s going to rule a country someday, it would be wise to allow her to learn these skills now.”
Spencer pursed his lips and leaned back, closing his eyes. Hopefully not closing his mind, but she continued just the same.
“I realize you’re worried about security, but it’s not like she’s in a public school with kids and staff coming and going. I’m no expert on it, but aren’t private boarding schools relatively safe? Other parents must be just as concerned about safety as you.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” He sat up straight now, eyes opened. “And I may even agree with you on the socialization points. But you don’t know Kat’s grandmother. She is a force to be dealt with.”
“Not to mention the queen.” Meredith sighed.
“But I’ll try to present this side of things to her,” he said. “For Kat’s sake.” He stood, smiling down on her. “And for yours.”
“Thank you.” She smiled back.
Once again, he extended a hand. It was probably just a polite gesture, but as he pulled her up, she found herselfuncomfortably near him, and yet he continued to hold on. “It’s touching how close you’ve gotten to the children. How much you care for them.” He released her hand, and she stepped back, catching her balance and her breath as a flushed heat warmed her face. She hoped he thought it was from the sun.
“I do care for them,” she said quietly. “It’s barely been three weeks, and I am surprised how much I care for them.”
“For that reason, it’s hard to let you go,” he said. “But I’m sure you must be eager to be on your way. I know this wasn’t how you anticipated spending your summer, stuck with a couple of slightly spoiled kids. You should be traveling about, seeing Europe like you’d planned.” He pointed a finger up. “That reminds me, Mrs. Warner told me you received something from the US Consulate. I’m guessing it’s your passport replacement.”
“Oh, yes, I’d heard it was coming.”
“And I will pay you for this past week, plus three week’s severance,” he said. “So you should have enough to allow you some time to explore and relax before flying home to the States. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Warner plan to remain in the villa a few days after the children and I depart, just to put the house in order. Mrs. Warner said you’re more than welcome to stay and enjoy some down time here.” He waved a hand. “I’m sure there are worse places to land. I often wish I could stay longer.” His smile seemed sad. “Just our way of showing our appreciation.”
“That’s so generous.” She fumbled for her bag, trying to locate a pair of sunglasses and hoping to conceal the tears welling in her eyes. He was handing her the walking papers, and although she wasn’t surprised, she was drowning in overwhelming sadness. She wanted to be alone and have a good cry—something she rarely did. What was wrong with her?
By morning, Meredith knew she needed to go as quickly as possible. She appreciated the invitation to remain here, but the sooner she left, the sooner she might return to some kind of normal. Not that she knew what that felt like anymore. With this in mind, she went down to breakfast with a firm resolve. After speaking to Mrs. Warner about transportation back to Vienna, she would attempt to choke down a cup of coffee and perhaps a bite of toast, but then she would gently explain her plans to the children, hug them both, and with her little bag of meager belongings, leave the villa.
Before she could make her announcement, Spencer was telling the children his plans. “I have good news,” he began brightly. “Nanny Bosko has returned to the palace. She is free to help us again. Unfortunately, her husband has passed, but I think Mrs. Bosko is eager for something to fill her days, and I’m sure she cannot wait to see you two.”
“Nanny Bosko?” Mishka’s eyes lit up.
“I don’t need a nanny,” Kat grumbled.
“Well, governess then. Anyway, she will be there waiting for us.” He cleared his throat. “And that brings me to the rest of my news. Grandmama wants us to come home as soon as possible. We will leave in a couple of days.”
“Leave?” Kat demanded. “Our holiday isn’t even over with.”
“Our time here is over.” Spencer’s tone was firm.
“But we were having such fun,” Mishka complained. “I’m getting good at football and tennis and swimming. I can’t do that at home.”
“There are ways.” Spencer reminded him of sports centers in Rotslavia.
“But I don’twantto go back. Not yet,” Mishka protested.
“Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do,” Spencer said in a firmer tone. “This is one of those times. Your grandmother says it’s time to go home. That means wewillgo home.”
Both children frowned in silence. Apparently one didn’t argue with the queen.
“I’m afraid it’s time for me to go too,” Meredith said quietly. “I was about to tell you that. I’m all packed and I wanted to say goodbye this—”
“No!” Mishka leaped from his chair so quickly that his plate slipped to the floor, shattering into a mess of porcelain and scrambled eggs. “You can’t leave us, Meri.”
“Miss Meredith needs to go,” Spencer told him.
“Why?” Kat demanded. “Just because we’re going back to Rotslavia? Why does that mean she has to go? Why can’t she go back with us?”
