James placed Emma's letter inside his coat. "I want an accurate account of every warning given to Captain Vale. Neither of you will suffer for speaking truthfully."
Peter described noticing the uneven padding three weeks earlier; Thomas confirmed reporting Storm's sensitivity the previous Thursday. They then examined the older entries together: several recorded resistance during mounting, followed by instructions to repeat the exercise, but none mentioned a veterinary examination.
James wrote down the dates. "These records do not establish when the saddle first became uncomfortable," he said. "But they establish that complaints continued without proper investigation."
Thomas nodded. "That's how I remember it, sir."
James thanked them and requested Mr. Bell's written findings and Mr. Pritchard's assessment.
By the following morning, both reports had arrived. Bell documented tenderness consistent with pressure beneath the saddle, while Pritchard confirmed that its uneven padding made it unsuitable for use. Neither claimed that Vale had intentionally injured Storm; James had no need to invent such an accusation. The trainer had ignored warnings, continued riding exercises, and attempted to remove equipment after being ordered to preserve it.
James summoned him to the library, where the estate solicitor, Mr. Howard, had examined the training agreement. Vale entered with his usual rigid posture, though his eyes moved immediately to the papers upon the desk.
"Your Grace."
James remained standing. "I have completed my examination of Storm's records."
"Then I trust you understand how difficult the animal has become."
"I understand that he was showing signs of discomfort while you continued training him."
Vale's jaw tightened. "I acted according to my professional judgment."
"Your agreement requires you to report suspected injury and obtain veterinary advice before continuing work that may worsen it." Mr. Howard indicated the relevant clause. "The written reports and testimony establish repeated warnings that were not acted upon."
Vale looked toward the solicitor. "You intend to dismiss me over a horse?"
James's expression did not change. "Over the failure to fulfill responsibilities you accepted, and the subsequent attempt to interfere with an examination."
Mr. Howard explained that the contract would be terminated under its stated provisions, with wages properly due settled through the estate office.
James also required Vale to withdraw his accusations against Emma in writing.
"I shall not confess to crimes I never committed," Vale said.
"No one has accused you of stealing or deliberately harming Storm," James replied. "You will acknowledge that Miss Carter's observations were supported by the veterinary examination, and that your remarks about her character had no factual basis."