"I am suggesting an examination, Captain. Nothing more."
James considered the stallion's trembling flanks. He remembered Henry standing in this same yard, laughing as a young Storm followed him without a lead rope. His brother had never believed that fear could be beaten out of an animal; James had forgotten how often Henry had said so.
"Thomas," he said quietly, "send for Mr. Bell, the veterinary surgeon. No one is to ride Storm until he has examined him."
Vale's expression darkened. "The demonstration was arranged months ago."
"Then our guests will have to endure disappointment." James turned to Emma. "Miss Carter, would you remain? I should value your observations."
She hesitated. "My father is expecting me at the forge."
"I shall send word and compensate you for your time."
"Then I can stay for a little while."
Storm lowered his head and blew sharply through his nostrils. Emma stepped toward the gate but stopped when his ears flicked backward.
"Easy, boy," she murmured from where she stood. "Nobody's asking you to do anything."
The stallion turned one dark eye toward her. James watched the small exchange without speaking. Emma took another careful step, leaving the horse room to retreat.
Then she noticed something beneath the rear edge of the saddle: a narrow patch of darkened hair lay flattened against the stallion's coat, precisely where he had flinched earlier. She leaned slightly to see it better, remaining beyond his reach.
"Your Grace," she said, her voice suddenly grave, "has anyone changed his saddle since your brother died?"
James went still. "No. It was Henry's."
Emma looked from the worn leather to the horse's rigid back. "Then I think we may have been asking the wrong question."
James looked at the saddle as though the leather had suddenly become unfamiliar. "Henry had it made specifically for Storm," he said. "He rode in it for years."
Emma kept her eyes on the stallion. "A horse's back can change, Your Grace. Muscle develops or diminishes. What fitted him two years ago may not fit him now."
Captain Vale gave an impatient sigh. "The saddle has been inspected."
"Then another examination will do no harm," James replied. The quietness of his voice ended the argument.
Storm shifted beside the broken fence. His loose reins trailed across the sand, dangerously close to his hooves. Emma studied the gate, the frightened animal, and the men gathered beyond the enclosure.