As Mr. Dempsey echoed her surname, Merida couldn't help but notice a flicker of something in his eyes, she wanted to probe him further. Instead, she maintained her composed demeanor, her smile held back like a coiled spring.

His response to her mention of the hunt caused the corner of her mouth to quirk at the double speak. His confiding glimmer sparked a delightful flutter in her stomach. 'I'm sure there is even more than meets the eyes.' she added quietly, her eyes demurely on her plate, playing the part for the hawkish society eyes around the table.

His question -was either terribly or perfectly timed. As she reached for a spoonful of soup, she accidentally choked on the laughter that bubbled up, bringing her gloved hand to her lips to stifle the sound converting it to a cough. Her cheeks flushed with a faint pink hue, and she gave him an apologetic smile full of teasing admonishment, before regaining her composure, dabbing her napkin to her mouth to hide her blush and her perhaps foolish smile.

"I suppose you could say I do," she smiled to him, "there is little as restoring as early morning walks, I find myself irresistibly drawn to it some would say." she said with a hint of flirtation, her eyes locking with his for a brief moment. "Some of my experiences in the woods have been unique and captivating"