“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.
