Page 22 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Chapter 10

COFFEE, BROWNIES AND CHAT

The next morning Rachel had been checking the boundary fences and was trying to repair a bolt-hole that the lambs were escaping from.

‘Want a coffee?’

Rachel jumped. Eve’s head popped over the hedgerow.

‘Jeez, Eve, you frightened the life out of me!’

‘Sorry, hun. I spotted the quad, knew you’d be about somewhere. I was on my way back from Kirkton, been getting a few groceries.’

‘Let me just finish securing this fence here – the lambs have been making a bid for freedom.’ She was weaving a mesh of chicken wire through the existing fencing to stop the gap.

‘Okay, call up at the cottage when you’re ready. Be nice to have a catch-up.’

‘Yes, I’ll do that. Thanks.’

When she got to Eve’s ten minutes later, there was a cafetière of coffee ready on the kitchen side along with a plate of chocolate brownies – the room was smelling of cocoa-coffee gorgeousness.

‘Shall we take it outside?’ Eve suggested. ‘It’s nice and sunny.’

‘Sounds divine, coffee and a view.’

Eve picked up a tray and loaded the goodies onto it, along with a couple of mugs. ‘To be honest, the dining room and lounge are covered in my craft stuff just now. There’s not a lot of space left in the cottage. It’s driving Ben crazy, but I need to keep it all somewhere handy, especially when I’m mid project.’

They settled at a slightly rickety table-for-two, on a flagstone patio to the rear of Eve’s cottage. Their stone two-bedroomed cottage was rented from grumpy Mr Macintosh, whose farm bordered Primrose Farm on the opposite side from Tom. The farmer didn’t keep the cottage in the best state of repair for them but the young family did their best with it and always kept the garden tidy. The cottage itself, though pretty, was tired-looking, with its white wooden window sills in need of a re-paint, but it was still full of character and Eve was happy there.

‘So, what are you making just now?’ Rachel took a sip of rich, delicious coffee.

‘Children’s toys … knitted and felt mice, rabbits, a fox, sheep, teddy bears. Hang on, I’ll fetch one to show you.’ Eve stood up to go back into the house.

‘The kids at the party loved those finger puppets by the way. Thanks again for doing that,’ said Rachel, whilst she was still in earshot.

‘You’re welcome, glad I could help you out with the entertainment.’

Eve went on into the cottage and came back a couple of minutes later with some extremely cute knits.

‘Aw, these are so sweet,’ Rachel exclaimed.

‘I’m selling them as a set of three online. Like a friendship group.’

‘They’re brilliant. You are so clever.’

Knitting and delicate craft work had never been Rachel’s thing. She just about knew how to sew a button back on, but it wouldn’t be too neat a job. She was far better handling real animals or driving the tractor. She had always been a bit of a tomboy and relished getting stuck in around the farm. It was her dad who had taught her how to drive the tractor, just slowly around the yard to start, at the age of fourteen. She’d been watching and learning for years up until that point though – right beside him in the warmth of the cab. Oh yes, she could still remember his voice from that first lesson. ‘This is one powerful and heavy machine, mind, lass. You treat her with respect,’ he’d said in his warm but cautionary tone. She’d felt so proud sat there at the wheel, with a beaming smile. She’d be happier with a spanner and screwdriver than a needle and thread any day. But, hey, each to their own.

‘So, it’s going well so far, the Etsy thing?’ Rachel asked with interest.

‘Yes, I’ve got a few orders already. I’m so glad I made that leap.’

‘That’s great … Actually, we’re thinking of setting up something of our own from the farm, me and Mum.’ Rachel felt it was time to share her idea. It would be good to get some honest feedback.

‘Ooh, I’m all ears. So, what’s the plan?’

Eve was her closest friend, and the truth spilled out. ‘Between you and me, we’re struggling a bit. Finances are really tight and we need to think of other ways to make a living and support the farm.’ It was actually a relief to speak to someone about this, other than her mum. She knew she could trust Eve to be discreet.

‘Well, if there’s anything at all that me and Ben can do to help …’