What You Propose (Anything for Love 2)

Marcus didn't know what the hell to believe anymore. He didn't want to believe any of his staff would conspire to deceive him.

"Very well," he sighed, brushing his hand through his hair. "Tell Andre I am going down to the village. Tell him to meet me there promptly, that I shall need his assistance."

Without another word Marcus strode out to the stables. He rode to the village in less than ten minutes, dismounting and tethering his horse before surveying the quiet street. One or two people were milling about, and he noticed Selene's father, Pierre Lessard, scurrying along towards him.

"Pardon, Monsieur Lessard." Marcus waved his hand to get the elderly man's attention, rushed over to block his path. "Have you seen Miss Sinclair today? She came down to the village a few hours ago with Selene. They were travelling in the cart."

Being petite in stature, Monsieur Lessard craned his neck, pushed his thinning hair from his brow as he shook his head. "Non. Not today. But Madame Lessard has been ill, and I've been occupied for most of the day."

"Is Samuel at home?"

"Samuel?" The man looked puzzled. "He is in Lyon though you are not the only person to mention him to me these last few days."

It occurred to Marcus that Antoine Tullier had made a

mistake. Surely, Samuel's father would be the first to know of his return home. But then Marcus thought of his own father, of how he would sell his soul to avoid being in his company, and so it all seemed more plausible.

"Someone told me Samuel was in the inn last night."

"Oui, oui. So I hear. But why would he travel all the way from Lyon and not visit his mother?" Monsieur Lessard gave a decisive nod. "Non. There must be some mistake."

"Perhaps you're right," Marcus said with a sigh as he did not wish to worry the man. He pulled his watch from his pocket and checked the time before replacing it. "Lenard will be open for business. I'll go and speak to him."

Marcus inclined his head and stepped aside so Monsieur Lessard could continue on his journey. He was about to enter the inn when he saw Andre hurtling towards him in the cart. Marcus had expected the man to come alone but noticed both Selene and Justin perched on the wooden seat.

They jumped from the cart and rushed over to him.

"What do you need me to do?" Andre asked. Before Marcus could pass comment, Andre jerked his head to his companions. "They wanted to come. I thought we could search a larger area if there were more of us."

Marcus nodded. "I'll speak to Lenard. You check with the shopkeepers. Talk to anyone who might have been passing." He turned to Selene. "Is your brother still in Lyon?" He was deliberately abrupt to throw her off guard.

Selene appeared confused. "Samuel? Yes, I assume he is. My parents have not mentioned they're expecting him home."

"Very well," he said raising his chin in resignation. "We'll meet back here in ten minutes and then decide what to do once we've examined any new information."

They all went their separate ways, and Marcus marched into the inn. Lenard was standing behind the worn oak counter, wiping tankards with a cloth. Besides the minstrel sitting at the table next to the fire, the inn was empty.

"Monsieur Danbury," Lenard said as he continued to clean the vessel. "Is it not a little early for you?"

Marcus found it somewhat awkward being polite to a man involved in nefarious activities. Indeed, he had not dismissed the prospect that the smugglers had grown suspicious of his interest in their movements and so had sought to hold Miss Sinclair for ransom.

"I am looking for Miss Sinclair. She came down to the village a few hours ago with Selene and disappeared."

"Disappeared?" he repeated placing the tankard and cloth on the counter and giving Marcus his full attention. "But you said she came with Selene. Surely she knows of her whereabouts?"

"No. Selene left her for a moment and when she returned Miss Sinclair had gone. The lady is ill, and I fear she may not be capable of returning home without assistance." Marcus spoke casually, calmly, yet inside his heart raced so fast he feared it might burst from his chest.

Lenard untied the white apron hanging around his waist. "Then I shall come with you and help you look for her. If she's wandered into the woods, you'll struggle to find her on your own."

Marcus was surprised by the man's concern and offer of help. It raised doubts about the smugglers' involvement. Guilt flared once again. He would have to find a way to reveal what he knew awaited the smugglers should they set sail in the hope of reaching England.

"Jacob," Lenard shouted to the minstrel sitting by the fire. He threw the garment, and the man caught it. "Keep watch while I'm gone."

The minstrel looked a little baffled, but he nodded and set about putting on the apron before they'd opened the door.

They met Andre, Justin and Selene outside.

"No one has seen Miss Sinclair today," Andre said solemnly. "We have asked in every shop, stopped people walking by."