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 theSound of Musicagain. 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?”
