Page 31 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Great – a bit of time out and good fun. Just what we needed.’

‘Well, I’m looking forward to a nice chocolate brownie when I get back,’ Eve began, ending up in a fit of the giggles once more.

‘What is up with you lot tonight?’ asked Tom, glancing across at the pair of them.

‘Nothing. Just Eve’s idea of a joke, that’s all.’ Rachel then dug her friend in the ribs in the hope of silencing her.

‘Or a nice comforting crumble.’ Eve’s sniggering continued.

Rachel couldn’t help but grin. ‘Sorry, Tom. Not quite sure what’s got into her.’

‘A bottle of wine,’ piped up Eve.

‘Hah, yes.’

Tom just smiled to himself.

It wasn’t long before they arrived outside Eve’s cottage.

‘Here we go, Eve. That’s you home,’ Tom stated as he pulled up.

‘Thanks so much, Tom. You’re a star.’

‘You’re welcome,’ he replied. He watched her get safely through the front door before he turned his vehicle around and headed back along the lane to Primrose Farm.

As Tom pulled onto their farm track, the ‘For Sale’ sign was there as clear as day – illuminated in his headlights. ‘So, I see you’ve put some land up for sale.’

‘Yeah … it wasn’t an easy decision but we needed to do something.’ Rachel went quiet for a few seconds.

‘Ah, I see.’ Tom’s tone was gentle, understanding.

No-one else knew the difficult situation they were in other than Jill and Eve, though with the board now up outside the farm, people might be drawing their own conclusions soon enough. But, she felt she could trust Tom not to gossip.

‘We didn’t have much choice in the end, the farm desperately needs to release some cash.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that, Rachel.’

‘Oh Tom, it’s been so bloody hard.’ The cider was helping to pull down Rachel’s guard, plus the kind, thoughtful look on Tom’s face told her that she could trust him with the truth. ‘I feel like I’m letting Dad down somehow, selling off a piece of his farm … But, I can’t let it go under. I can’t let it all go.’

‘Of course not. You’re being practical, doing what you have to. I understand that. I think your dad would have, too.’

‘Thank you.’ Rachel let out a slow sigh under her breath. ‘Well, I had a crazy offer in today from guess who?’ Now that she had started talking it felt good to share her burden. ‘Bloody Mr Mac. And do you know what he offered?’

‘Go on.’

‘Five hundred pounds an acre.’

‘No, no way. That’s a joke.’

‘I know, nothing like trying to kick you while you’re down.’

‘Well, I hope you bloody well said no.’

‘Of course, I did. We’re not that desperate.’

‘Well, have you thought about renting the land instead? That way you get to hold onto it whilst earning some income and keeping your options open.’

‘Oh … hmm, well, maybe we could, but who’d want to rent just one or two fields?’