"You witnessed a horse in pain," Alexander began. "Many of us, myself included, were ready to believe he had become dangerous. Miss Hale asked us to look more carefully, and because she did, we discovered deliberate interference with his tack." He paused while the guests shifted uncomfortably. "That inquiry also brought to light evidence concerning her father, Edward Hale, who was accused four years ago of dishonesty in the estate's accounts. The evidence now before us shows that accusation was unfounded. My family allowed it to stand without adequate investigation."
One of the gentlemen coughed into his hand. Lady Beatrice, who had warned Eleanor not to interfere in the courtyard, lowered her gaze. Alexander did not spare himself by discussing only Vane's wrongdoing. He explained that his family had accepted an account that could have been checked, that their silence had helped a false story spread, and that he had signed letters correcting the record. "I owe Miss Hale an apology," he said. "And I owe her father one that I can no longer deliver to him."
Eleanor had prepared herself to speak, but when all the faces turned toward her, she looked instead at the windows beyond which the stable roof was visible in the afternoon light. She thought of her father mending a bridle by candlelight because they could not afford a replacement, and of his stubborn refusal to teach her bitterness. "He was not a man who expected everyone to agree with him," she said at last. "He expected people to look at the facts before deciding that he was guilty. I hope we may all remember how much can be lost when we fail to do something so simple."
Blackthorn healed more slowly than the rumors faded. For many days Eleanor did nothing more adventurous than walk beside him, tend the tender skin, and let him grow accustomed to the weight of a light cloth against his back. Mr. Sayer visited regularly, and Alexander made sure the stallion was never used to impress an audience before he was ready. Some mornings the horse startled at an unexpected noise. On others, he took a few easy steps and seemed to remember the pleasure of moving without pain.
The estate's new arrangements were less romantic than the speeches in the hall, and Eleanor liked them for that reason. Every tack repair was recorded, and apprentices were encouraged to report injuries without fear of punishment. Thomas continued earning wages while learning properly from the senior grooms. The stud's breeding records were examined and copied so that no single person could control the only account of a transaction. Alexander found that management required more questions than orders, and he began spending time in the stables even when there were no visitors to admire him.