"Then I trust you will also consider the damage being done to my professional reputation."
James met his eyes. "I intend to consider everything, Captain. Beginning with why you attempted to remove the saddle after I expressly forbade it."
Vale's face lost its color. "There is something you ought to understand about that saddle," he said. "Something your brother never told you."
James did not move. "Then tell me what my brother supposedly concealed."
Vale glanced toward the closed office door. "Lord Henry knew the saddle was becoming unsuitable. He intended to replace it before his accident."
James looked at him steadily. "How do you know?"
"He mentioned it during an inspection."
"When?"
"Shortly before he died."
The clock above the cabinet ticked through the silence. James remembered Henry discussing a new set of riding equipment during their last autumn together, but he could not remember a conversation about Storm's saddle.
"Did he leave instructions?"
"Not in writing, Your Grace."
"Then I cannot verify what you are telling me."
Vale's mouth tightened. "I am trying to explain that this problem did not begin under my supervision."
"The question is why it continued." James opened the training book. "Thomas reported discomfort. Peter reported uneven padding. You continued the riding exercises."
"Because the horse was expected to perform!" Vale struck the desk with his palm, then drew back. "Forgive me. The autumn demonstration is only twelve days away. Gentlemen have traveled considerable distances to inspect your breeding stock. My agreement depends upon maintaining the establishment's reputation."
James rested his hands on the book. "And Storm's welfare?"
Vale looked away. "I believed he could be brought through it."
"You believed, or you knew?"