What You Propose (Anything for Love 2)

"Oui, madame," she nodded eagerly. "Yes, I am going with Andre."

Anna had no idea why she kept calling her madame. They were of a similar age, after all. Although they were like night and day in terms of their colouring, even more so when it came to worldly experience. "Then I shall see you there. Mr. Danbury has kindly agreed to escort me a little later this afternoon."

Selene's brown eyes widened as her smile faded. "But Mr. Danbury, he never goes. He says he does not like the crowds."

Anna laughed in an attempt to lighten the mood as Selene appeared somewhat disturbed by the thought. "Perhaps that's because he is far too serious. It will do him good to drink ale and eat roasted pig while dancing with performing monkeys."

Selene gave a weak smile. "If you say so, madame."

"Don't worry about Mr. Danbury. We will only stay for a short while and ride back before dark."

Anna's words did not placate Selene, and although she nodded repeatedly, her eyes grew dark and distant.

"Thank you again for the balm," Anna said as the woman scurried out of the door without saying another word.

Pushing aside all thoughts of Selene's odd behaviour, Anna went to the chapel and spent an hour in quiet contemplation. The silence soothed her spirit. Still she received no further sign, no indication as to where fate's path would take her next.

The sound of booted steps echoing through the nave caught her attention, a sure sign her companion was ready to depart.

The gentleman in question cleared his throat. She did not have to turn around to know Mr. Danbury stood behind her. He walked with a heavier gait than Tristan and the air about her swirled with a strange tension: a sliver of apprehension mingled with excitement. The hairs on her nape tingled which never happened in the presence of any other man.

"Miss Sinclair." The deep timbre of his voice caused a weird shiver to race through her body, and she inhaled slowly and deeply in an attempt to maintain her composure.

"Mr. Danbury," she said standing and turning to face him. Raising a brow in surprise at the sight of his cravat, she could not help but tease him. "Good heavens. Either someone has tried to strangle you with a piece of neckwear, or you have made an effort to smarten your appearance."

He gave an arrogant smirk in retaliation and tugged on the ends of his plain blue waistcoat. "At this precise moment, being strangled with a length of starched muslin has definite appeal."

She pursed her lips to suppress a smile as he craned his neck. "You do not need to wear it on my account. I am used to seeing you wander about as though you're ready to set sail and plunder the high seas."

"I shall take that as a compliment," he said his eyes flashing with amusement. "A pirate has far more finesse than a peasant or beggar."

"By finesse, I assume you mean your skill and ability to deal with difficult situations." Indeed, there were not many men who would take a stranger into their home, give them food and lodgings despite discovering they had murdered the last gentleman who'd provided similar comforts.

He raised a confident brow. "By finesse, I speak of my consummate skill in most things, Miss Sinclair." He moistened his lips as his gaze drifted over her.

"Well, you certainly have a pirate's conceit and sense of superiority."

"There is nothing conceited about speaking the truth."

Anna folded her arms across her chest. "Then you must show me these marvellous skills of yours. Once at the fair, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to demonstrate your extraordinary strength and agility."

"You mock me, but perhaps I may surprise you. But know I draw the line at wrestling with monkeys and bears."

She sniggered. Mr. Danbury could be very amusing when he wasn't stomping around growling at everyone. "Surely there will be jugglers and fire-eaters there. Let us see how you fare with them."

"I do have quite nimble fingers, and my body is already aflame." His velvety tone made her shiver, and she recognised the glaze of desire in his warm brown eyes. "I fear if I even attempt to eat fire I'll surely combust."

As Madame Labelle, she knew the feigned words of a seducer. As Anna Sinclair, she could not ignore the fluttering sensation in her stomach.

"What a shame the font is empty. A splash of holy water would surely help to douse the flames." She stepped forward. "Come. We shall be here trading quips until nightfall. If you're ready, I shall go and fetch my cape."

He inclined his head. "Give me a moment to find my cutlass and eyeglass and I'll meet you in the stable."

The fair was well under way by the time they rode down into the village. The boisterous laughter, the hawkers hollering their wares, and the singing and merry melody from the instruments of numerous minstrels permeated the air.

Anna scanned the vast sea of heads. They had no hope of spotting Tristan or Selene and Andre amongst the hordes of people packed into the field.

Mr. Danbury climbed down from his horse, paid the groom a sou and came round to help Anna down. She lowered the hood of her cape, and as his hands settled on her waist, she felt the strange frisson of awareness she always felt in his company.