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done all through the centuries.  There was work at hand.  Women's work.

 
     
     
    CHAPTER THREE
     
    Daniel looked up from the accounts ledger as Abby Silver entered the office, Wednesday.  He hadn't seen her for the last two days.  He knew she'd planned it that way.  The ledger had slowed him down and his suggestion of a computerized version of accounts had been laughed at.  The Busy Bee’s records had always been kept in this ledger that weighed a ton.
    "Gran said you had a question about the accounting.  She also told me you've decided to stay on." Ice would have been warmer than Abby's tone.  "How can I help you?" 
    Her voice trailed away as their gazes clashed.  Daniel watched the color flood her face. 
    "I just wondered about this entry."
    He turned the book towards her, ignoring the minute hesitation before she came forward. 
    "Let me see."  The perfume of wildflowers that clung to her surrounded him.  She wore a denim skirt with a long sleeved red top.  Daniel had seen nuns dressed in less. 
    He knew she had deliberately avoided him the last two days.  That she wanted to have as little to do with him as possible.
    Beside him, Abby said, "We advanced Mrs. Olney eight hundred dollars so she could visit her granddaughter in Florida.  She has a brand new great grandson she wanted to see very badly."
    "What did you make the loan against?"
    Abby frowned, "Against?"
    Daniel sighed, "A loan is usually made against some kind of collateral."
    "Oh that!  Mrs. Olney crochets the most beautiful lace tablecloths.  She's going to repay her loan in kind."
    "I see."  His first impression had been right.  This was a more-than-difficult situation.  "How old is Mrs. Olney?"
    "Seventy nine.  That's why it was important that she go and see her great grandson right away."
    That was also a good reason for not lending her the money.  Daniel looked at the pencil in his hand.  His next question was about the entry against afghan.  It said nine dozen eggs.  Daniel had a feeling it would be better for his peace of mind not to ask about that.
    "What's wrong?"  Abby asked.
    "I'm wondering how to turn The Busy Bee around given these circumstances."
    "If you'd like to leave, we'll understand."
    He looked at her profile.  Abby's theme song was beginning to wear a bit thin. 
    "Why?"  Daniel released the impatience he'd kept such a strict hold on since Saturday.  "Because I make you feel uncomfortable?  What is it about me that makes you want to run and hide?"
    Her mouth fell open and the color left her face.  The passing seconds were measured by the loud thumping of his heart.
    "There you are."  They both looked at Sarah Trenton as she entered the office.  "I know you want to keep right on working, so I brought you your lunch."
    "You shouldn't have bothered."  Daniel muttered, though it wasn't any use objecting.  Sarah paid very little attention to his protests. 
    "Balanced, regular meals are important."
    Daniel sighed.  Giving in took less time than arguing.  Besides he didn't want Abby accusing him of being rude to her grandmother again.
    "Daniel's been cooped up in here the whole morning," Sarah told Abby.  "Why don't you take him with you to the Vista book sale this afternoon?  He needs to get out in the fresh air."
    "That isn't the kind of thing Mr. Hawthorn likes to do," Abby said quickly. 
    She looked at him and then away in that quick way she had. 
    "What is Vista?"  He asked. 
    "It's a retirement community," Abby said reluctantly.  "Some of the senior citizens are helping the library by organizing a book sale today.  You'll find it very dull."
    Maybe this was his chance to get to know her better. 
    "What time do we leave?" he asked.
    The flash of panic in her green eyes was ridiculous.  Abby Silver had nothing to fear from him.
    "At two," she tossed over her shoulder as she left the office.
    "I'll let you get on with your lunch," Sarah placed the brown bag on the table.  "We still feel it