Would-Be Wilderness Wife by Regina Scott Page B

water supply. Unfortunately, no one could determine a reason.
    â€œWhat about that prospector who sold you your fancy waistcoat?” Simon asked James as the brothers finished clearing away the smaller trees that might damage the spar when it fell. “Could he feel cheated?”
    â€œI don’t see why,” James replied, swinging his ax into a sampling. “I paid him well enough for it. If anyone is aggrieved, it should be me.” He paused a moment to lay a hand on his heart and bow his head.
    Drew ignored the melodramatics. “Deputy McCormick said there’s been other harassment out this way. We’ll just have to keep a closer watch.”
    None of his brothers looked amused by the thought. Between the main farm, their own claims and the logging, they had more than enough to do.
    Still, he couldn’t deny a sense of peace as he returned to work for the first time since he’d started nursing his mother. There was something about the feel of the ax in his hands, the weight of its swing, the sound as it came into contact with the tree, the vibration up his arms. Although accidents could happen at any time, he knew to his sorrow, the work was predictable and productive. And when the tree was down and the land was cleared, he could see his accomplishments and knew he’d done well. He only wished raising a passel of brothers and a headstrong sister was as simple.
    * * *
    After Drew left, Catherine returned to the house. She agreed with him that his brother’s actions were suspicious, but she hated to think that a group of boys would take matters so far as to poison a neighbor’s water supply. They had to know this prank could have had dangerous repercussions.
    â€œSo what do you think?” Beth asked when Catherine rejoined her and her mother upstairs. “Was something wrong with the spring?”
    Mrs. Wallin was sitting up in the bed, and the sock and needles resting in the lap of Beth’s blue gingham gown told Catherine what the girl had been doing while she waited. The two women listened as Catherine explained what she and Drew had found. She purposely omitted any mention of Levi’s possible involvement, but Beth hopped to her feet, face reddening, tumbling the sock to the floor.
    â€œOh, that Levi! I will skin him for this!”
    â€œElizabeth Ann Wallin,” her mother scolded. “I can’t believe your brother would do such a thing.”
    Catherine was watching Beth, whose color was only darkening. “Why do you suspect your brother, Beth?”
    She bent to retrieve the sock and needles, voice muffled. “I shouldn’t. Ma’s right.” She set her things on the chair, then caught up a bit of hair and twisted the golden strand around one finger. “It’s just that he’s made no bones about the fact that he thinks we should have taken a claim closer to town. He says when it’s his turn, he’s not choosing acreage this far out.”
    â€œAnd that is his decision,” her mother said, voice firm though her face was pale. “Just because his brothers lined up their claims along ours doesn’t mean he must.”
    â€œYes, Ma,” Beth said. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just go start the baking.” She headed for the stairs.
    Catherine knew she shouldn’t interfere, but something about Beth’s reaction told her there was more to the story. “I’ll come with you,” she said, following her. “I need to explain what we’re doing about water now.”
    Mrs. Wallin wiggled deeper under the covers. “You do that. I think I’ll just take a nap.”
    Catherine caught up with Beth at the foot of the stairs. As if Beth had guessed her purpose, she paused and lowered her voice. “I’m sorry, Miss Stanway. I should never have spoken that way about Levi. It’s just that he makes me so mad! All Pa did, all Drew and the others have done to build us a