She studied the page. The handwriting was Vale's. "Then we should ask him what these entries mean."
James closed the book. "We shall."
Emma reached for her bonnet, preparing to return to the forge before the rain worsened.
"Miss Carter," he said.
She stopped beside the door. "Yes, Your Grace?"
"Would you consider having supper with me one evening? My housekeeper could arrange for your father to join us."
Emma looked at him for a long moment. "As your employee?"
James hesitated. "As someone whose company I have come to enjoy."
Her fingers tightened around the bonnet ribbons. Before she could answer, Thomas appeared in the doorway, his face troubled.
"Your Grace, Mr. Bell has sent word. He wishes to examine Storm again tomorrow, and he's asked that the saddle be present."
James rose. "Has something changed?"
"Not with Storm, sir." Thomas glanced at Emma. "But Peter says Captain Vale tried to take the saddle from the locked tack room this morning."
James closed the training book. "Tried to take it where?"
"Peter saw him at the tack room door," Thomas replied. "The captain asked for the key. Peter refused because you ordered the saddle kept aside."
James's fingers tightened around the book's worn cover. "Was the saddle moved?"
"No, Your Grace."
"Good. It stays where it is until Mr. Bell examines it."
Emma had already gathered her bonnet, but she did not put it on. "Did Captain Vale explain why he wanted it?"
"He said he meant to have the padding repaired."