Merida's heart skipped a beat as she observed Mr. Endymion's disheveled appearance. His loosened collar, unbuttoned top button, and tousled hair gave him an alluring charm that was difficult to resist. It was as if he had stepped out of one of her daydreams, causing a playful smile to grace her lips, he looked like he ought to be emerging from the mist on a heath, not gracing a staid dining room for a drab dinner. She accepted his offered seat with a graceful nod, her eyes never leaving his face, trying to read his expression.

She sensed his momentary struggle with her surname, a playful glimmer in her eyes as she played along. "Thank you, Mr. Dempsey," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of mischief and an air of formality. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Miss Merida Greyback," she stated, her gaze locking with his, as a smile threatened the corners of her mouth. While their previous encounters held moments of intimacy, they were now compelled to adhere to the societal conventions that dictated their interaction.

Merida couldn't help but steal a glance at his tousled hair and the open button that revealed the captivating bob of his Adam's apple as he spoke. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment, her heart fluttering and she was forced to look away, suddenly engrossed in her fan to avoid her face being the open book she feared it was. She discreetly lowered her gaze, a soft blush gracing her cheeks. How could she fake an entire evening of propriety with him, when they hadn't managed a single proper interaction to date.

"It is truly a delight to encounter you once again, Mr. Dempsey," she expressed, managing to meet his gaze, albeit as she felt herself flush. "This gathering may be on the sedate side, but I'm delighted to have such interesting dinner company. Have you been hunting much since the Blackwoods party?" Merida asked, careful to keep her tone neutral, even as amusement tinged it's edges and she thanked the gods for serendipity and the confluence of fate.