Page 28 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘No worries,’ said Rachel. ‘There are so many lovely options here Eve, I’m sure we can find other styles we love too. And maybe as we expand our range with other puddings,’ she gave Jill a wink, ‘we can go for some of these other lovely designs.’

‘Oh, I’m so happy you like them.’ Eve looked more relaxed now.

‘I knew you’d come up with something special, Eve. Never doubted you for a minute,’ said Rachel, with a smile.

‘Right then, I’ll get the kettle on now. Phew.’ Eve went off to the kitchen, leaving Jill and Rachel grinning at each other.

They were soon chatting over tea and homemade ginger shortbreads – delish. Jill had come up trumps on the baking front as per usual. Amelia and Maisy came running in from Amelia’s bedroom where they’d been playing, to take a biscuit each and zoom off again.

‘Having fun girls?’ Rachel asked.

‘Yes, we’re playing shops,’ answered Maisy, already on her way back out of the room. ‘Amelia is selling her toys. We have them all lined up and I’m the buyer.’

‘Sounds good.’

They scampered off, happy in each other’s company.

‘So, how’s the Etsy stuff going?’ Jill asked Eve when she’d brought in the tea, interested to find out more. ‘Rachel’s been telling me all about it.’

‘Yes, it’s not just us starting a new venture,’ added Rachel.

‘Well, it’s early days, but I’ve got off to a good start, yeah. There’ve been a few orders in already. I’ve sold some felt animals, a few knits and some of my new wooden hearts and stars. I’m personalising the hearts with messages and names on, whatever people want really. In fact, I’ve just got an order for a wedding gift, for a hanging wooden heart, to put the couple’s names on and the wedding date.’

‘Oh, that’s wonderful, Eve. Well done you,’ said Jill.

‘We’re flying the flag for small businesses from home. I love it,’ said Rachel. ‘Cheers ladies.’

They picked up their teacups and gave them a happy and hopeful sounding clink together.

‘Cheers everyone,’ said Jill.

‘To crafts and puddings!’ proclaimed Eve.

‘And lots of sales,’ added Rachel.

These were exciting times, but they all desperately needed these businesses to work out. Maybe with a little luck – and a good dollop of teamwork – they had a chance of pulling off something special.