Calorimetric, X-ray and dielectric measurements on a liquid crystal exhibiting a smectic A-Hexatic B (Sm A-Hex B) transition in bulk and upon confinement in Anopore matrix are reported. In the calorimetric experiments the sample in the Anopore matrix shows a much stronger rate-dependent shift in the transition temperature than in the bulk. X-ray studies on both the bulk and the Anopore samples reveal the presence of unusually strong second harmonic reflection arising from the smectic layers in both the Sm A and Hex B phases. From the dielectric measurements it is seen that the director dynamics is marginally influenced by confinement.