“You seem to be interested in palaces,” Spencer said as they returned to the hotel.
“I guess it’s an American thing,” she confessed. “You know we’ve never had royalty over there. It’s kind of mysterious to us.”
“I want to go to America sometime,” Kat said as they got out of the SUV. “I want to see Hollywood and Disney World.”
“I want to see the Grand Canyon,” Mishka said. “And the giant redwood trees.”
“Maybe someday,” Spencer said in a tone that sounded more wishful than genuine.
As they rode the elevator up to their floor, Spencer asked Geoff about dinner reservations, and Geoff confirmed they had some for seven thirty at a place Meredith had never heard of.
“I don’t want to go,” Kat said. “I’m tired.”
Meredith looked down at her just in time to see her nudging Mishka with her elbow.
“I’m, uh, I’m tired too,” he said in a slightly stilted voice.
“Why don’t we eat in?” Kat said to her father. “You and Meredith can go. I’m sure she would like to see the restaurant.” She looked at Meredith. “It’s very elegant.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go?” Spencer asked them as the doors opened.
“We’re sure,” Kat answered for both, gently shoving Mishka in front of her.
“Is that acceptable to you?” Spencer asked Meredith as they trailed the children to the suite.
“Is it acceptable to you?” she parroted. “After all, you’re the prince. I’m just the nanny.” She wrinkled her nose in a smirk, and he smiled.
“I’d love to take the nanny to dinner,” he said as Geoff opened the door to the suite. “I have been wanting to hear more about your time in Papua New Guinea. Perhaps you know my relatives there.”
“Oh, yes, I nearly forgot about that.”
Spencer checked his phone. “Looks like we have about an hour before we need to go. Can you be ready by then?”
She laughed. “Sure. I could be ready in less than ten minutes if necessary.”
“It’s, uh, a rather formal restaurant.”
“Oh?” She grimaced to think of what she’d packed. “I’m not sure I brought anything the least bit formal.”
“Geoff?” Spencer called out. “Can you give us a hand?”
“Sir?” Geoff snapped to attention.
“Miss Meredith needs something appropriate to wear to dinner. Can you please assist her with that?”
Geoff looked slightly uncomfortable but nodded. “A women’s boutique is located down by the lobby,” he said to Meredith. “I believe they have formal wear.”
“Oh, I don’t think—”
“Nonsense. Geoff will call ahead and tell them you’re coming,” Spencer commanded. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to return this phone call.”
Feeling somewhat bamboozled and out of her realm, Meredith accepted Geoff’s instructions and went down to browse around the shop, mostly out of curiosity. She felt fairly sure that anything there would be too costly. Unless the boutique rented gowns, which she doubted when she saw how glitzy and exclusive it looked.
But she was met by a pleasant saleswoman, who spoke broken English, and appeared to be expecting her.
“I know your need.” She glanced up and down as if assessing her dress size. “We have fine gown for you.” And suddenly she was bringing out sparkling evening dresses and treating Meredith like royalty.
After turning down a slinky strapless gown and backless number, Meredith attempted to communicate through body language that she wanted something more modest. Finally,she was shown a sleeveless midnight blue dress with glass bead embroidery across the bodice and a flowing skirt. Far more elegant than anything she’d ever worn before, it seemed appropriate and acceptable and to her relief fit perfectly. Unable to spot a price tag and realizing time was flying, she agreed it was wonderful.
