With Liadán's return from incarceration, Oz wanted to do something nice for the witch which extended beyond dousing her home in bouquets of flowers.

Luckily, where he lived in Brighton was the perfect romantic setting on the waterfront. He had the option of staying at Kerry Cove itself, which had its own private beach or go elsewhere in the small village that was home to many wizards hoping to keep a low profile.

Oz chose the former option, as he both wanted some alone time with Liadán and he also thought she would appreciate the privacy after her ordeal. Despite any attempts to keep himself guarded when it came to potential romantic encounters, he had come to like Liadán quite a bit. Her quirks, which she had warned him during his visit behind bars would become boring to him, he found to be quite endearing.

He was slowly coming to the realization that after all he had been through with Aileen, and after all the years of resistance to let the past go, he needed someone like Liadán in his life. She was most certainly nothing like Aileen, and that was a good thing. He was banking on the notion that she was better - more noble even - than his ex wife had been. Essentially, what was expected of the partner on the arm of a Whitman.

With all the provisions for the picnic set, all Oz needed was Lia's arrival. He rubbed his hands together in anxious anticipation and he actually smiled at a house elf who was heading back the kitchen.

Liadán felt much more comfortable about the idea of going to the beach when her relatives had no say in what she would wear. When she had visited France in the past, and had run into Mr. Prieaux at the beach, her bathing suit had been far from what Liadán would consider appropriate. But today she could wear what she wanted- which was a simple and old fashioned swim suit. The legs were still a bit short for Liadán's liking, but showing up in something positively victorian might bring more ridicule than priase. Even so, she felt properly covered up in it.

But arriving at Oscar's home in Brighton wearing only a swimsuit was hardly in good taste. She chose a simple, looser fitting dress to wear over the swim suit, one she could shed with ease should she actually need to get in the water. She wasn't sure what Oscar's intentions were with this beach picnic, but she wanted to be prepared for all possibilities. The dress she wore was not particularly fancy, but it was suited for a day where she would end up getting sandy and spend most of the time outside. A simple transfiguration spell could change the shape of the dress should Oscar decide to change to a fancier venue.

Liadán had considered whether or not she should arrive by floo. It would be simpler, but tumbling out of a fireplace of a man she was just beginning to get to know on a far more personal level seemed inappropriate. Besides, getting covered in soot wasn't on her agenda for the day.

She had been to his home once before, and though such a level of over confidence in her magical abilities could prove detrimental, she decide to apparate anyway. It was very easy to picture the beautiful home in her mind, and with a loud POP she arrived on the door step of Oscar's home. She ran a hand through her hair- wondering if she should have tied it up and out of the way instead of letting it lay long. Liadán smoothed out her dress and picked up the door knocker, letting it drop twice to announce her arrival.

Oz was a little more nervous for this "date" than he remembered being for one in recent years. The house elves were giving him strange looks as they made the last preparations for his picnic. What was on their master's mind that made him pace back and forth so.

At the sound of someone arriving, he barely hesitated to throw open the door to greet Liadan. His lips formed a half smile as he took in her attire from head to petite toe. "Finally, you're here!" Realizing that his declaration could be seen as being accusing her of being late, he clarified. "I mean....I've been excited to get out to the water all afternoon. And it would not be as enjoyable without your company."

Stepping towards her, Oz leaned down to give her a sweet kiss on her porcelain hued cheek in greeting. Pulling back slightly, he asked, "So? Are you looking forward to this as much as I am?"

Liadan smiled when Oscar opened the door, flushing dark red when he leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek, claiming he was looking forward to their day together- asking if she felt the same way. She nodded. Liadan was very excited, albeit incredibly nervous, about what was in store for her.

Her mother would probably have chided her for spending a day alone with him, especially since he was going to be in a bathing suit, not to mention the fact that Oscar was a divorced man. But Liadan's mother wasn't here to chide her, and it was somewhat of a relief. Liadan rather liked Oscar. He was handsome and charming with an appropriate blood line.

"You look quite handsome today, Oscar," Liadan said by way of greeting. Of course, she had yet to see him when he didn't look handsome. She tucked her hair behind her ears, and took a few steps into the house, looking around curiously, watching the excited house elves. "I've been looking forward to today since we arranged it," Liadan confessed quietly. "I have faith that you won't disappoint me."

Oz beamed, happy that their little get-together was affecting her as it was him. Or at least he hoped her reaction was genuine. Oz would never openly admit that he had been quietly hoping that his luck with love had changed. Perhaps it was his outlook on love that was causing the change? Or was there something niavite in that hope?

He couldnt' allow himself to dwell on any of that too long lest it sour his mood for the day's event. Dwelling on how miserable his love life had been would not make his date with the lovely Liadan any more exciting.

Besides, he had invited her to his home where they could picnic on the beach and if she were willing, he could invite her on one of his boats for more adventure.

Oz barely heard her compliment of his looks -- he wasn't a big fan of flattery aimed in his direction, mainly because he didn't need it as his opinion of himself was already quite high and he thought it was more prudent to be the one complimenting --  and instead smiled at her apparent shyness.

"Oh I won't disappoint," he boasted, puffing out his chest with confidence. Looking back to the house elf who dutifully held out the prepared picnic basket. He reached out and snatched it up, startling the poor thing. Holding out his arm to Liadan, he asked, "Ready? Unless you needed to freshen up or change, that is..."

Liadan enjoyed Oscar's confidence. There was something attractive about a man who carried himself in such a way. Of course it was a common mannerism among pureblood men, but Oscar had a reason to be confident and backed up the attitude with substance. He was a successful, charming, handsome man with every reason to think highly of himself. That made it an acceptable behavior. If he had no reason for his arrogance it would be a vice rather than a virtue.

"Quite ready," she said, taking his arm with her small hand. "I know my dress is not nearly as..." Lia trailed off, searching for the right word. "Well, not nearly as fancy or appropriate as what I normally dress in, but when you mentioned the beach I was unsure what your plans were beyond a picnic. I wanted to be able to wear my bathing suit beneath my clothing and be capable of changing out of the dress with ease should you wish to get in the water." Liadan was not the best swimmer, or a fan of it, but she would accompany Oz where ever he wished to go- into the water included.

"I thought the circumstances called for comfort and simplicity over fashion," she added. "I hope I am not under dressed for your plans?" Liadan asked, looking down at the purple dress she had donned. Perhaps she should have taken care to look more presentable. But she did not think that the beach was an appropriate place for an evening gown, and she did not wear trousers under any circumstances.

She might be over analyzing his inquiry about whether or not she needed to visit the ladies' room- but it worried her. Liadan was surprisingly self conscious when it came to romantic situations, and she wanted to put her best foot forward at the beginning of this... whatever Oscar was up to. She had hoped that by showing him a more relaxed and informal side of herself that he would appreciate her level of comfort with him. Perhaps Liadan had shown it too soon, or seemed too eager?