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least for the time being,” Levi said.
    “Are we to continue scouting around Wilson Creek?”
    “It’s better that we try to blend in. That way we can observe what’s being said around the town. At the same time we’ll watch for any approaching troops.”
    “Em will be glad to have the help on the farm.”
    Levi wouldn’t say it aloud, but he was glad to be able to keep an eye on Em. And her family, of course. Em was just too rash in her actions, not thinking them through before taking risks.
    Em walked with them to the wagon and climbed aboard while they stowed their gear. Tom hopped up in the back, and Levi sat on the bench beside Em, taking the reins from her.
    “I’m fully capable of driving,” she snapped.
    Levi sighed. The battle for control began already. “I’m aware of that. I’m also fully capable. Can you imagine the ridicule I’d face from the other men if I let you take the reins?”
    Tom snickered.
    Em rolled her eyes. “Who cares what they think? Maybe their sisters aren’t able to do anything outside cooking and keeping house.”
    “I’m certain that’s not true.”
    “It’s called being considerate, sis,” Tom called out. “I’d do it more often if you’d let me. Just because you’re the oldest doesn’t mean you have to take over all of Pa’s chores.”
    “I let Maggie take on some. And you did a lot when you were there.”
    “When you let me.”
    Not in the mood for listening to them bicker, Levi jumped in. “For the next week or longer, Tom and I will be able to help you do the work. And by help you I mean we can take the larger share.”
    She opened her mouth to argue, he was sure, but he continued.
    “Use the time as you wish. I’m certain there are things you have to tend to that get put aside by the daily chores. Or use the time to rest. Summer’s not half over, and then there’s fall harvest.”
    She sat quietly for a bit, staring down the road. When she spoke, her voice was soft. “I suppose Susie and I can pick some berries and make some jam. And perhaps we’ll can some tomatoes.”
    “Make some gooseberry tarts. Ma loves those.” Tom yawned and stretched, leaning back against the side of the wagon and lowering his cap over his eyes.
    “Those all sound like excellent activities. I hope I’m allowed to enjoy one of those tarts.” He hadn’t had jam, tarts or pies in longer than he could remember. He’d likely be working harder than normal while on the farm, but there were plenty of pleasures he’d be able to appreciate at the same time.
    ~*~
    When they reached the farm, Em jumped off the wagon, leaving the men to take care of Fred. The sun was on the horizon, and if she hurried she could feed the animals before dark.
    Cletus called out to her as she approached with a bucket of grain, and the two sows in the next pen squealed in delight. “Here you are, piggies. I’m only half an hour or so behind time. You weren’t starving, no matter how badly you try to convince me.”
    The animals snorted and snuffed in response as they gobbled their meal.
    Em returned to the barn and filled the bucket with chicken feed and scattered it in the dirt in front of the coop. Maggie was milking the cows inside the barn, and Em stopped to talk to her. “Where will we put Lieutenant Lucas? We can’t expect him to sleep on the floor in Tom and Harvey’s room.”
    “What about Jasper’s room?”
    The small room in a corner of the barn had stood empty since their hired hand left, except for some broken tools Em hoped to have repaired someday. “It’s filthy. We haven’t kept it dusted or swept. And the bedding is likely musty.”
    Maggie moved the milk pail to one side and stood, then picked up her stool and the pail. “I can wash the bedding in the morning. Doesn’t he have bedding from the army?”
    “I’d forgotten about that. I just hate to have him thinking we’re poor hosts. He’s probably used to feather beds and crisp linens, before he enlisted. We have