Under His Protection

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Wainwright Hall

The next morning when Oliver came down to breakfast he found his mysterious lady was already there, dressed in one of the day dresses Rhiain altered for her, and she looked beautiful in it. In fact, Mrs. Mortmain was having several of the maids lowering the hems of more dresses and gowns for her to wear. Maureen seemed in much better spirits this morning then she had the day before, too. She greeted him with a smile that warmed him all over.

"Your color is returning," Oliver told her returning the smile as he sat down to join her at the table.

"I feel much better today," she replied. "I...I want to apologize once again for my behavior yesterday. I'm frustrated that my mind has blocked everything from me."

"I don't think it is caused from the blow to your head," he said offhandedly. "I think it's caused by whatever trauma happened to you before you came running out of the woods. I have been wondering if taking you back there would bring about any memories for you."

"Maybe it would," she said then took a sip of her hot chocolate as she mulled it over so more. "When could we go?"

"Perhaps tomorrow," he answered and saw the disappointed look that they would not be traveling there today. "This is only your first day out of bed and Doctor Crowther instructed you to take it easy today. I'm not sure he meant for you to be roaming about outside or here in the house either." Although it was nice to have someone to share breakfast with instead of sitting at this large table all alone. It would be nice to have her every morning, Oliver thought.

"I want to see what the countryside looks like to see if it helps me to remember anything. I don't think a little fresh air would hurt either. I really feel fine, Oliver."

"If you feel up to it we will take a stroll after breakfast. I'll have Rhiain find a wrap for you to wear, I'm sure there must be several warm capes in my late sister-in-laws closets. We are still having chilly days even though spring has arrived. I'm glad to see your appetite has not been harmed," he teased her.

"No it hasn't," she replied with a grin. "Your cook is wonderful."

"I shall inform Cook of your delight in her meals."

"Please do. You know you should always compliment your servants."

That comment about servants made Oliver surer that she had come from wealth and had had servants of her own or grew up with them.

While they finished their breakfast Oliver had Thompson send word to Rhiain to find a warm wrap for her to wear. After breakfast Oliver helped her on with a fur lined cape the maid had found for her and he lead her out to the gardens through the library terrace doors.

She stopped on the terrace and took a deep breath of the fresh air then looked around at the scenery before they continued on through the gardens, nothing looked familiar. She didn't feel as if she'd ever been here before. "It shouldn't be much longer before most of your flowers are in bloom," she told him, noticing the buds on the plants. "The daffodils, bluebells, forget-me-nots, and the rhododendrons are just starting to open. Your garden with be breathtaking once they do."

"You sound like person who likes flowers," Oliver said turning toward her. "I think once you remember your past we shall probably learn you have a garden you see to yourself."

"Do you think so?" she asked him a puzzled look on her face that the names of the plants had just tumbled out of her mouth.

"Yes, you know the names of the flowers and plants," he said the corners of his mouth turning up in a grin, "I have no idea what their names are."