What You Propose (Anything for Love 2)

Tristan waved his hand towards the arched entrance. "Dare you risk entering the lion's lair?" he mocked, his face brimming with amusement. "Take it from me, his roar is far worse than his bite, his tone sharper than his teeth."

Anna stared thoughtfully at the door. "Mr. Danbury is a playful kitten compared to what I am used to."

"Forgive me." Tristan cleared his throat. "I did not mean to be insensitive to your situation."

"You should also know that nothing you could say or do would offend me, Mr. Wells."

There was a brief moment of silence while he studied her.

"I understand." He turned to face her fully. "I too have placed a wall of ice around my heart. It is easier to convince ourselves we feel nothing than to live in constant pain."

She was not prepared to address the honesty in his words, and so she did what she always did when faced with the truth. She feigned indifference.

"Do not presume to know me, Mr. Wells. I've often wondered if I even have a heart."

A smile touched his lips, and she knew he could see through her disguise. "I insist you call me Tristan," he said ignoring her comment. She found she had gained a modicum of respect for him, purely because he had no desire to force his point. "Now, I shall assist Haines in stabling the horses and will arrange for your luggage to be taken up to your room."

A wave of anxiety caused her to stiffen and her gaze shot to Haines, who gave her a reassuring nod. "I'll see as all your belongings are kept safe," Haines said. "You can trust in that."

The coachman knew what her Bible meant to her. She could hardly walk around the monastery hugging it to her chest. Mr. Danbury really would believe she had pious intentions.

She wondered what he would say if he knew he had agreed to give refuge to a murderer.

As though summoned by pure thought alone, the gentleman in question strode back out through the arched doorway and glared. "I do not have time to wait while you stand conversing. Follow me, Miss Sinclair."

"Forgive me," she said, suppressing her amusement. True anger revealed itself in the eyes. Victor's black beady stare was a look terrifying enough to send wolves scampering. Mr. Danbury's warm brown gaze told her all she needed to know. "I assumed you had gone to make yourself more presentable."

Mr. Danbury brushed his hands through his shoulder-length hair. "This is presentable. Not that it is any concern of yours. You'll find no fancy lords here, all trussed up in their finery, spouting babble."

Anna resisted the urge to clap her hands together. Compared to Victor, Mr. Danbury was easy to read when it came to his emotions. Resentment was the motivation for his comment. Had he failed to meet the high expectations of a certain woman, she wondered? Or did he feel a sense of inadequacy when it came to the aristocracy?

Time would tell.

"And for that I am grateful, Mr. Danbury." She had no desire to argue and feed his frustration. When it came to defusing volatile situations, no one was more skilled. "I've heard more than my fair share of burble from obnoxious nobles to make me want to race for the hills at the mere thought of it. Rest assured, I admire those with the integrity to adhere to their principles."

Mr. Danbury's mouth opened and then he snapped it shut. He did not know what to make of her — that much was obvious.

Who had ever heard of a whore preach of integrity?

Anna took a step forward and stopped. "Thank you, Mr. Wells, for the warm welcome. Haines, I hope to continue our philosophical discussions this evening." Wearing a wide grin, both men inclined their heads. She walked up to Mr. Danbury. "Once you have given your tour, I should like to spend an hour in the chapel, if I may?"

He swallowed visibly, drawing her gaze to the open neck of his shirt. "You may spend the rest of the day as you wish. Tomorrow, you will take up your duties like the rest of us."

"That is most generous." She offered him her brightest smile. His blunt manner had no effect on her countenance, and she wondered if he was still brooding from the sharp slap he had received. "Please, lead the way, Mr. Danbury."

He escorted her through the nave, but the rows of pews were no more, and now the wide walkway acted as a passage to the rest of the building.

"There's a small chapel at the end there, located in the north transept," he said pointing to the left as he marched on ahead. She followed him out through the cloisters and into the garth. "You may use this area for recreation. The well in the centre is functioning and the water safe to drink."

Anna glanced around the neat garden. A narrow pathway in the shape of the cross split the grass into four equal segments. There were numerous benches dotted along the route and depending upon the time of day she supposed one had a choice of sitting in the sun or the shade.

"It's very peaceful here," she said gazing up as the sun warmed her skin. A wave of contentment rippled through her as she inhaled the clean air. "I imagine this is a rather pleasant place to sit in quiet contemplation."

"I've never spent that much time out here," he replied gazing up at the cloudless sky as though only noticing its beauty for the first time.

"I'm surprised. You strike me as a man who enjoys being out of doors."

"Why?" he said with a smirk. "Did you make that assumption based on the scruffy nature of my dress?"