Would-Be Wilderness Wife (18 page)

Levi sat with a thud and lowered the gun.

As the deputy helped Allegra and Gillian down, Maddie climbed to the ground, shook out her cinnamon-colored skirts and hurried over to give Catherine a hug.

“And how is my Catie-girl?”

Her Catie-girl couldn't help noticing how Beth was turning as pink as her gown, gaze on the wagon and finger twirling the tie of her sunbonnet. She couldn't be bashful of meeting new people, not after all her talk of socials and such.

Catherine glanced at Mrs. Wallin, who was smiling. “Any friends of Catherine are welcome,” she told Maddie. “Why, I might not even be here if it wasn't for this dear girl.”

Catherine thanked her, then introduced everyone around as Allegra, Gillian and Deputy McCormick came to join them.

“I'm only sorry my husband couldn't come with us,” Allegra told her. “He had pressing business in town. I was simply glad Deputy McCormick agreed to accompany us.”

McCormick glanced at the porch again. “I had a reason to travel out this way.”

Beth's color deepened. Levi's fled.

Mrs. Wallin invited them all into the house for cider. Only Levi demurred, claiming a need to keep an eye on the horses Deputy McCormick had let into an open patch of pasture. Though Mrs. Wallin looked disappointed in his response, Catherine thought Drew's mother took special delight in serving the rest of them from her pink-and-white dishes.

Catherine took more delight in the bandbox Maddie had brought with her.

“My clothes!” she cried, clutching it close.

“I feel the same way,” Beth said with a grin.

Maddie had also brought a loaf of spice cake with her, the scent of cinnamon and cloves drifting up as Mrs. Wallin sliced off pieces.

“Oh, but my boys will be sorry they missed this,” she said as she poured Deputy McCormick another cup of cider.

“And how many sons would you be having, then?” Maddie asked.

The question was polite, but Catherine could see the light in her friend's brown eyes.

“Five,” Mrs. Wallin answered, pride evident in the height of her chin.

Gillian perked up from where she sat on the bench next to Allegra. “Can I play with them?”

Mrs. Wallin smiled at her. “I'm afraid they're a little too old. Drew is nearing thirty, Simon is twenty-eight, James is twenty-five, John is twenty and Levi is eighteen. But I'm sure Beth would be happy to play with you.”

“Mother!” Beth dropped her gaze and gripped her teacup so hard Catherine thought the handle might snap. “I'm not a child!”

Mrs. Wallin frowned. “Who said you were?”

Deputy McCormick rose from his place at the end of the table and held out a hand to Gillian. “Come along, urchin. There's a goat or two around here somewhere that needs petting, if I remember correctly.”

Beth hopped to her feet so fast her cup rattled in its saucer. “I'll be happy to show you.”

McCormick nodded. “Much obliged, ma'am.”

As the three set out, Mrs. Wallin stood, as well. “Now, you ladies just visit. I want to bring Levi some of this cake. He's taking this guard duty so seriously.” Plate in hand, she moved toward the rear door.

Maddie slid along the bench until she bumped into Catherine. “And what about you, Catie, me love? Are you taking your duty seriously?”

Catherine sipped from her cider before answering. “Mrs. Wallin is feeling much better, and I am convinced the youngest Mr. Wallin will heal nicely from his injury.” She was just as convinced he'd stayed outside to avoid having to talk with Deputy McCormick.

Maddie tsked. “And was your nursing the duty I was meaning?” She lowered her voice. “How are you and the eldest Mr. Wallin getting along?”

Catherine broke off a bit of the moist cake with her fork. “He has been very helpful in the nursing process.”

Maddie glanced at Allegra with a frown, then returned her gaze to Catherine's. “Has he sung you no songs? Tried to steal a kiss under the moonlight?”

Catherine felt her face coloring as she remembered the kiss they'd shared. It hadn't been under the moonlight, but she'd still felt moonstruck. “Certainly not,” she told Maddie.

Allegra blew out a breath that stirred her dark hair. “Well, what's wrong with the fellow?”

“Nothing,” Catherine protested, and Maddie crowed.

“You see? Wasn't I telling you that, Mrs. Howard? There's not a thing wrong with the fellow, at least nothing marrying a good wife wouldn't fix.”

“That's quite enough,” Catherine said, picking up her teacup with two fingers. “Mr. Wallin and I are both quite indisposed to courting.”

Maddie picked up her own cup and pointed her little finger at Catherine, nose in the air. “La-di-da, but aren't we above such things, now?”

Allegra shook her head with a smile. A slender beauty with coal-black hair and stunning blue eyes, she had been one of the leaders among the women Asa Mercer had brought to Seattle. She'd organized a school aboard ship so that they'd all know everything they could about their new home, and she ran the town's lending library from her home near the territorial university.

“No one says you must marry, Catherine,” she replied now. “But it seems you couldn't choose a finer fellow. I asked around town, and everyone I talked with holds Mr. Wallin in the highest regard. He always fills his contracts on schedule, and he and his family have been very generous in donating wood for civic and church projects.”

That did not surprise her. Drew was so conscientious about his responsibilities to family. It seemed he extended that responsibility to his neighbors, as well.

“Sure'n but he's a pillar of the community,” Maddie agreed. “Especially as he's as sturdy as a pillar. Why, I can't imagine a thing that would ever threaten the man.”

Catherine blinked, then set down her cup. “But something has.” She went on to tell her friends what had happened at the Landing, including her suspicions about Levi's injuries and his response that even Scout Rankin was not his friend.

Maddie made a face. “Rankin. I've heard his name in town. There was a scrawny lad wandering about trying to interest gentlemen in stopping by his father's property for a good chicken dinner. I thought he might be needing a cook or cleaning woman, so I asked Mrs. Elliott, who has the running of our boardinghouse. She advised me to stay away from the man. Said he could drink Puget Sound dry.”

“That could be nothing but gossip,” Allegra reminded her. She slid off her end of the bench and stood. “I'm sorry to cut our time together so short, Catherine, but we'll need to go soon if we want to reach Seattle by dark. I'll fetch Gillian. Why don't you tell Deputy McCormick your concerns?”

Should she? She didn't want to give the lawman more to consider when it came to Levi. Drew had enough on his hands. But if Deputy McCormick knew something that could help Drew protect his family, wouldn't Drew want to hear it?

Chapter Nineteen

D
rew dunked his head in the spring pool and shook the water from his face. It had been a long day. They'd sheared off the last of the branches and dragged the fir down to the stream. Bracing the log by ropes and poles, they'd worked the oxen to maneuver it down into Salmon Bay, where sailors from the
Merry Maid
were waiting to take it to the ship. A carpenter was already aboard to help them varnish the mast, step it into place and rig it properly. One more job done, and no one hurt.

John came out of the barn where he'd penned the oxen. He took one look at Drew and shook his head. “That is no way to approach a lady.” He pulled a comb from his hip pocket and handed it to Drew. “We want you neat and tidy to court Catherine.”

Drew accepted the carved wooden comb, another example of his father's handiwork, but his annoyance must have shown on his face, for John stepped back with a grin. Either that, or Drew looked even worse than he thought.

“And smelling nice,” James agreed, joining them by the pool. He took a sniff near Drew and reared back, waving a hand before his nose. “Where's that cologne Simon bought from the tinker?”

“Gone,” John informed him. “I used it to start that pile of wet wood burning last week.”

Drew pushed away from the spring. “I'm fine. If Catherine can't appreciate a man who works, she's not the bride for me.”

“Drew?”

The looks on his brother's faces would have told him who had called him even if he hadn't recognized the voice. James stepped aside, and Drew saw Catherine standing just behind him. The pink of her cheeks suggested she'd heard at least part of their conversation.

Drew nailed a smile on his face. “Good evening, Catherine. We were just about to join you for dinner.”

James and John murmured their agreement and hurried for the house, James with an arch look to Drew.

“I hoped to catch you,” she said, taking a step closer, “before you went inside.”

He didn't think it could be about anything good, but he made himself lean a hip against the stone wall of the pool and say, “Oh? About what?”

She blew out a breath as if she wasn't sure how to tell him, and he tensed for the worst.

“Deputy McCormick was here today,” she said, one finger rubbing another in front of her gown, which was the color of the lilacs that grew in the wood. She hadn't had it with her before, and the wide skirts and fancy white piping along the bust and waist told him the dress didn't belong to his mother, either. Had McCormick brought her clothes? Was he courting her, too, now?

“Why?” he asked. “More trouble?”

“He said it was a social call. He brought my friends Miss O'Rourke and Mrs. Howard to visit.”

Drew relaxed a little. So that was where the dress had come from. A shame his brothers hadn't been here to meet the feisty redhead.

“I don't think he was telling all the truth,” she continued. “He seemed inordinately interested in Levi. And he didn't seem surprised to see him in a splint.”

Drew frowned. McCormick was as hard as the cedar Drew felled, but he couldn't see the lawman beating his brother. “Did he have words with Levi?”

“Not that I noticed. He seemed more interested in observing. But I thought he should know about the troubles you've been having, so I told him.” She closed the distance between them, gaze turned up to his. “I hope you don't mind.”

“Why should I mind?” Drew replied. “You were looking out for my family. What did the deputy make of it?”

“He said our problems were similar to what's been happening at the other farms between here and town. Only no one's been hurt there.”

“So whoever is behind this singled out Levi,” Drew said, hearing his voice deepen.

As if she heard it, too, Catherine laid a hand on his arm. “There's more. My friends mentioned a Mr. Rankin. I take it he's the father of Levi's friend Scout.”

Drew nodded. “But you saw Scout. I'm having a hard time imagining him beating Levi.”

Catherine cocked her head. “Or perhaps looking the other way while his father did it?”

Drew didn't know what to believe. “Why shield someone, even an old friend, who treated you so badly? No, something else is at the bottom of this. Did McCormick have any suggestions as to what we can do, how we can protect ourselves?”

“Just to be vigilant,” she said with a shrug that spoke of her own frustration at the vague advice. “He said he'd do the same. I'm sorry, Drew. I wish I had something more for you.”

Drew shook his head. “You tried, and for that I'm grateful.”

He'd followed such a statement with a kiss before. It seemed only natural to do so again. But this time when his lips met Catherine's, emotions exploded around him like Mr. Yesler's fireworks on the Fourth of July. He couldn't think, could only feel. He wrapped his arms about her and cradled her against him. She clung to him, arms coming around his waist, hands pressed to his back, as if she wanted him closer. The world fell away, until all that was left was Catherine.

Nearby, a rifle roared.

Drew's head jerked up, and he put Catherine behind him, sheltering her, fists up and at the ready.

Levi stood on the porch, gun in one hand. “Do I need to fire again, or do you get the message?” he asked, face tight.

Drew wiped his lips, still tingling from the kiss. “We'll be right in.”

Levi nodded, hung up the rifle and hobbled inside.

Drew turned to Catherine. She looked as though she wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.

“Drew, I...” she started even as he said, “Catherine, I...”

He smiled at her. “Go ahead.”

She seemed to take him literally. “Thank you. Excuse me.” She hurried for the house.

Drew followed more slowly, trying to master his emotions. He'd thought her so calm, her feathers never ruffled. But there was a fire inside her. He could feel it calling to him. Was this how his father had felt about his mother?

Not for the first time, he wished his father was there to ask. Drew had managed to figure out everything else the past ten years, from how to weld his quarrelsome brothers into an effective logging team to where to plant vegetables during a chilly spring.

But when it came to falling in love, he hadn't a clue.

* * *

Catherine found it hard to eat dinner that night. Levi had surprised a fat hare in the garden, and the stew was savory with the tender meat. But every time her spoon touched her mouth, she remembered the pressure of Drew's lips, his fierce embrace and the way she'd reacted. All she'd wanted to do was hold him closer and sway with the emotions he raised in her.

She could not be in love. She'd shut the door on feeling. She had to remember her calling, her purpose. Anything else was not to be borne.

So she refused to be alone with Drew the rest of the evening. That was surprisingly difficult, given that they were sharing the main room of the cabin with six other people. She started by offering to help Mrs. Wallin with her mending. Drew's mother agreed with a smile, and Catherine took a chair next to hers and accepted the red flannel shirt from her former patient.

“Such a time they have working,” Mrs. Wallin said with a shake of her head that made her red-gold hair catch the light from the fire. “They're forever ripping or tearing something. That one's Drew's—a hole in the sleeve.”

Catherine felt as if the fabric warmed in her hands. She set it aside and rose. “Would you care for some water? I could do with a cup.”

Across the room, Drew had been leaning against the wall while his brothers sat at the table, Simon whittling, James rubbing linseed oil into an ax handle and John reading. Now James elbowed his younger brother.

“Did you hear that, John?” he said, overly loud. “Catherine wants water.”

John eyed Drew. “Someone should fetch it for her.”

Drew straightened away from the wall.

Panic pushed Catherine to the other side of the room. “No need. I'm fine.” She collapsed on a chair next to Beth. “What does
Godey's
have to say about the new hemlines, Beth?”

The girl grinned at her. “That the more narrow silhouettes are very becoming. I was thinking about making a new dress, a nice one for church and socials and such.”

“And taking tea with the governor's wife,” James teased.

Beth ignored him, rising from her chair. “I'll go get my sketches and show you.” She glanced around the room. “Drew, why don't you keep Catherine company until I return?”

Again, he straightened off the wall, and Catherine racked her brain for a way to avoid him.

This time she had an unexpected ally. “My leg's paining me,” Levi announced. “Maybe you could have a look at it, Miss Stanway, if you're not too busy with other matters.”

Catherine hurried to his side. “Of course I'll take a look, Levi. That's what I'm here for.” Not to fall in love and risk her heart.

Levi had been sitting on the bench of the table, leg straightened out in front of him. James vacated his chair for Catherine, and she sat and examined the splint. Everything seemed in place, and she could detect no sign of swelling.

“Where does it hurt?” she asked Levi.

To her surprise, he glared at his hovering brothers. “Can't a man have a little privacy?”

“In this family?” James asked with a grin. “No.” But he allowed John to lead him over to the fire. Simon went to sit beside his mother. Drew relaxed back against the wall, though Catherine could feel him watching her and his youngest brother.

“What's troubling you, Levi?” she asked.

He lowered his voice. “I saw you talking with Deputy McCormick. What did he say about me? What did you tell Drew?”

So that was the problem. Catherine kept her voice lowered as well, fingers skimming the wood of the splint. “We talked about the other accidents that have happened recently. I believe Deputy McCormick sees a pattern.”

“Then he's smarter than he looks,” Levi muttered.

Catherine eyed him. His face was paling, and he'd crossed his arms over his chest.

“What do you know about this, Levi?” she asked.

He narrowed his eyes. “Why do I have to know anything? Why is it always my fault?”

“No one said it was your fault,” Catherine argued. “But if someone hurt you or threatened your family, you must tell us.”

“I don't have to tell you anything. We did just fine on our own until you came along.”

Catherine recoiled from the anger in his voice. “If you ask me, Mr. Wallin, it's not your leg that pains you. It's your conscience.”

“And if you ask me, you ought to go back to Seattle where you belong!”

His voice had risen, and everyone in the room glanced their way. Beth, returning with her sketches, paused on the stairs. Drew moved to his brother's side.

“That's enough, Levi. Your injury may explain your temper, but you should apologize to Catherine.”

Levi was breathing hard, as if the air had grown too thin. “Sorry,” he muttered. “I want to go to bed now. John, will you help me?”

“Surely,” John replied, coming to join them. He put an arm under Levi's and helped him to his feet. Together, they moved toward the stairs.

“I'm sorry, Catherine,” Drew said, and for a moment she wasn't sure what had made him apologize, his actions earlier or his brother's now.

James returned to their sides. “Am I getting old, or was brother Levi testier than usual tonight?”

Simon ventured over, as well. “What did you expect? He's a young man with nothing to occupy his thoughts or utilize his energy. Something was bound to snap.”

Was that it? Sometimes she thought Nathan had gone off to war because he couldn't bear being left behind by his friends and father. Was Levi acting out because Drew hadn't given him enough responsibilities?

“Perhaps he should come with us tomorrow,” James said. “We'll keep him busy.”

Catherine shook her head. “I fear a logging camp is no place for healing.”

Drew eyed her. “Have you ever seen men log?”

“No,” she admitted. “But I'm certain it's hard work.”

“No argument there,” James said. “Sometimes I positively grow faint.” He collapsed back against Simon, who pushed him up with a grimace.

“It might surprise you what we have to do, Catherine,” Simon said. He glanced at Drew. “I say we bring her out with us tomorrow morning. Watching us work should give her a fair idea of whether it's a suitable place for Levi.”

It was a logical suggestion. She really couldn't determine what was safe for her patient otherwise. Yet some part of her was more curious to see Drew in his element.

He glanced around at his brothers, his eyes narrowed, as if he suspected treachery of some kind. Finally, he sighed and nodded. “Very well. If you're willing, Catherine, we'll need you to be ready by dawn.”

* * *

She was willing and ready at the appointed time. She'd dressed in the flowered cotton gown Mrs. Wallin had loaned her, deeming it far more practical than her fuller skirts. A sunbonnet shielded her hair from the cool morning mist.

James set out first toward the west, ax poised over his shoulder. Simon and Drew carried saws and a burlap sack each that clanked as they walked. John bore the rifle, gaze shifting around the brush as they traveled along a well-worn path through ferns and thick green bushes where white flowers burst in clusters. Someone in town had told her they were called rhododendrons.

“Have you seen any more of the cougar?” she asked Drew, who was walking beside her. His checkered shirt was tucked into dusty trousers, which in turn were tucked into heavy boots. By the way they sucked at the mud, she thought the bottoms might carry spikes.

“Only some tracks down by the lake yesterday morning,” he said. “We're hoping it headed for better hunting.”