She made haste down a cramped corridor to the tiny kitchen at the rear of the inn. The innkeeper’s harried wife was alternately frying eggs, sautéing potatoes and onions, and shouting instructions at a half-grown girl who was toasting bread at the fireplace. The girl scuttled to lay out crockery plates on a table. Natalie had to wait until the woman was dishing out the hot food before questioning her about Leo.

“Nipped a link of sausage, I’ll ’ave ye know,” she said, pointing her spatula at Natalie. “Ye best keep a closer watch on the rascal!”

“Please add it to my account. Did you happen to see where he went?”

“’E run out the back door when I yelled at ’im. That one could use a good thrashing!”

Natalie murmured a quick apology and left the kitchen, heading in the direction that Leo had taken. Mercy, she should never have let him out of her sight! But at least she was on his trail now. With any luck, he soon would be safely back in her custody.

And this time, she would not take her eyes off him.

Pushing open the door, she stepped outside into the stable yard. The sleet storm of the previous day had given way to bright sunshine and the promise of fairer weather. Already the coating of ice on the roof and trees was melting, leaving the ground wet and muddy. Grooms were hitching horses to various carriages and wagons. From her stance by the inn, she did a visual survey of the area, but could not spot Leo anywhere.

A cold drip from the eaves landed on her cheek. Shivering, Natalie burrowed deeper into her shawl and debated whether or not to proceed to the stable. She didn’t relish the notion of making her way through the lake of muck that had been churned up from the morning’s activity. But could she really trust that fancy-pants gentleman to do a thorough search?

No.

She set forth, lifting her hem and staying at the edge of the yard where the ice-battered grass kept her half-boots relatively clean. Upon reaching the open double doors, she stepped inside and breathed in the familiar perfume of hay and horses. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dimness. Several horses poked their heads out of the stalls to snuffle at her.

A man was descending a ladder off to her left. Her heart gave an involuntary leap as she recognized his tall, attractive form in the buff breeches and black boots. He jumped down from the second-to-last rung and dusted off his bare hands.

Unfortunately, he was alone.

She scurried to his side, saying without preamble, “The cook saw Leo heading out the back door a short while ago. But you didn’t find him here?”

“No, and I’ve poked through every nook and cranny, including up in the loft.” Brushing a few pieces of hay from his pristine coat, he added, “I questioned the grooms, too. None of them have seen the little brat.”