It was clear to her that she wasn’t ready for a conversation with any other man, much less attempt shameful flirting!
Edna chose to walk to her own room instead of returning downstairs to wait for her mother and Irvine to return. Perhaps after a good rest, Malcolm would be easier to talk to.
Perhaps she wouldn’t give up just yet.
That evening, Edna dressed carefully, feeling like a silly goose once she was done with her hair. It had been a long while since she had taken care with her appearance, and everyone was likely to notice the change in her.
She hoped that Malcolm would notice her as well.
Elise was waiting by her chamber door when Edna approached, her eyes widening as she took her sister’s attire in. “Well now,” she murmured, her hand resting on her stomach. “I heard that he was handsome, but clearly the description was lacking.”
“I dinnae know wot ye are talking aboot,” Edna said hotly, her cheeks burning at her sister’s words.
Elise laughed, threading her arm through her sister’s. “Och, Edna, I think ’tis good that ye are dressing up again and paying attention tae a man! He wilnae be able tae look away from ye tonight, I promise ye that.”
Edna drew in a breath. “I dinnae know wot I’m doing,” she confessed. “I never had tae impress James.”
Her sister squeezed her arm lightly. “Just be yerself. Everyone falls in love with ye the moment they meet ye anyway, and this warrior will do just the same! Come, let me lay eyes on this handsome Scot that has the house buzzing with conversation, and mah sister’s cheeks flushed prettily!”
Edna remained quiet, hoping that her sister was right and that their earlier encounter was because he was tired from his journey. The two sisters made their way to the dining hall, where their parents were already seated with their guests. Edna plastered on a small smile as they entered the room, her eyes flickering over Malcolm. He had bathed, his dark-red hair still wet under the candlelight and his clothing devoid of dust. He didn’t look at her as she took the seat next to him, but Edna didn’t let it bother her.
It took time.
“Och, look at ye!” Irvine exclaimed as he and Elise greeted each other. “I hear congratulations are in order?”
“Aye.” Elise blushed as Irvine pulled out her chair. “I wish that mah husband could be here right now so ye could meet him.”
“Perhaps another time,” Irvine replied as he returned to his chair.
Edna reached for the metal jug of ale at the same time that Malcolm did, their fingers brushing each other. “Och, I’m sorry!” she said softly, snatching her hand back. It was tingling nicely from the brush of his calloused fingers.
“’Tis alright, lass,” Malcolm responded, finally turning his gaze toward her. “Would ye like some?”
She nodded, and he dutifully filled her tin mug to the brim before doing the same, setting the jug back on the table. The conversation flowed around them, and Edna was glad so that no one could see the blush on her face.
“Thank ye.”
He acknowledged her with a nod, and Edna knew she would have to keep him engaged in conversation if she wanted to learn more about him.
“Tell me of yer travels,” she stated, leaning to the right so that her arm brushed up against his.
Malcolm made a sound and pulled away quickly. “There isnae much tae say, lass.”
Edna’s excitement dimmed a little. “Perhaps there is something exciting that ye have experienced,” she tried again.
He looked at her, his blue-eyed gaze hard. “Nay, lass, nothing but death.”
Well. It wasn’t the answer she was looking for at all, nor the turn of conversation. “That’s, err, horrid.”
His grimace was hard as well, and Edna swallowed thickly, breaking the connection. She felt like an utter fool, attempting conversation with a man who clearly didn’t want to talk with her. What was she thinking?
She should have never attempted.
Edna barely smiled at the rousing conversation around them, not bothering to join in for the rest of the dinner. Malcolm didn’t say anything either, though Irvine and Elise carried on most of the conversation for the table. When the dinner was finished, her father asked the two Scots to come into the study with him, leaving Edna with her sister and her mother.
“Well now,” her mother stated, a broad smile on her face. “’Tis good tae have family visit, isnae it?”
“I think that’s not the reason Edna’s cheeks are flushed,” Elise said slyly.
