Page 33 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Chapter 14

A PUDDING PRODUCTION LINE

Oh boy, was Rachel struggling the next morning. Her brain felt bruised, like a herd of cattle had trampled over it through the night. It was past nine-thirty, and Rachel still had the headache from hell hanging around. She wasn’t used to drinking alcohol these days – she should have known better, as it always kicked back at her with a vengeance the next day.

After a swift cup of coffee she forced herself out to check on the livestock. On inspecting the sheep in the Low Pasture, she spotted an abscess lump on the neck of one of the ewes. It was an infection and she knew she’d have to act quickly to help the animal. She got her first-aid kit from the Land Rover. It’d need lancing and then some Dettol wash. Oh, jeez, this was no job to undertake with a hangover, but needs must. She held her breath as the needle went in. Yuck!

Rachel was gagging as the pus came out. The stench was horrendous and her stomach heaved. She cleaned the wound and then set the sheep on her way. It was all Rachel could do to stop herself from vomiting. She steadied herself before walking back to her vehicle, where she sat for a few moments, feeling a bit giddy. God, she was never setting foot in a watering hole ever again.

As she was heading back across the yard to the farmhouse, for a much-needed cup of tea and some paracetamol, her phone pinged with a text. She took it out to see it was from Eve.

How’s the head, hun?! Mine’s not too great. X

Not good x, she replied.

Did you get any crumble last night after I’d left? X

Hah! Rachel couldn’t help but laugh out loud reading that comment, which unfortunately made her head pound even more. Oh yes, it was all coming back now: their giggly conversation on puddings and men, well one man in particular.

Then, she remembered nearly kissing that particular man on the cheek and her fleeing the scene. Bloody hell, how embarrassing.

No, of course not,she answered herself. The near-kiss was one scenario she was going to keep to herself.

She was at the front step taking off her muddy wellingtons when Eve’s reply pinged back.

Shame – you could have told me all about it and I could have lived every moment through you!! X

Rachel was smiling and shaking her head at the same time.

As she entered the farmhouse kitchen, Jill rushed towards her, excitedly waving a letter in the air.

‘It’s from the council, we’ve passed the inspection! What a relief, eh? The kitchen area has been given the all-clear. Now that we’ve passed the exams too, we’re good to go.’ Jill beamed across at Rachel.

‘Oh, that’s wonderful!’ It was all coming together, and it was brilliant to see Mum so enthusiastic about it all.

‘So, let the pudding making begin,’ announced Jill. ‘Hah, my kitchen can now become a pudding pantry.’ She was grinning as she stood beside the kitchen surface where she’d just laid all her ingredients out ready – flour, butter, brown sugar, dates and their own fresh farm eggs. ‘Blimey, I’m feeling the pressure now. I’ve got to make the best puds of my life, haven’t I?’

‘Don’t worry, just do what you always do, Mum, you’re a natural. Just pretend you’re baking for me and Maisy. Your puddings are always delicious.’

‘Right, okay. Well, I’ve got several hours before Maisy’s home from school. I think I’ll get cracking straight away. No time like the present.’

Though she was evidently nervous, it was lovely to see Jill so animated. Maybe this new project was just what she, in fact what they all, needed.

When Rachel came back into the farmhouse kitchen two hours later, after having put down some more straw and checked on the cattle, the smell of baking was divine. They only had a small herd, and it was coming towards the end of calving now with just one cow left to calf out of their fourteen ladies, so Rachel was keeping a close eye on her. Simon had been with her through the night, but there was still no sign as yet. Thankfully the calving this year had been pretty straightforward, and most of the cattle were already out in the fields as the spring grass had started growing.

The source of the gorgeous aroma was a dozen freshly baked sticky toffee puddings, all lined up on the kitchen side in their foil containers, oozing with delicious toffee sauce. They were standing on racks to cool, ready to have their lids popped on and be wrapped in Eve’s beautiful vintage-style floral cotton material with a ribbon bow.

‘Oh, hello, love.’ Jill looked slightly anxious. She also looked uncharacteristically ruffled – her apron was askew and there was a thick dusting of flour in her hair and on her jumper. ‘Well, what do you think?’

‘If the smell’s anything to go by, I think I’m in pudding heaven.’

‘Aw, thanks. Can’t help but feel a little nervous though. I hope Brenda manages to sell some of them.’

‘Just look at them Mum, of course they’ll sell. I have very high hopes.’

‘Well, I think we should take these ones to the Kirkton Deli as soon as they’ve cooled and are all packaged up,’ said Jill.

‘I’ll take you down there,’ offered Rachel. ‘Yes, I think we should go together to deliver our first ever order, and then we can mark the occasion with a celebratory cup of tea and a slice of cake at The Cheviot Café.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘If we go soon, we’ll just have time before the school bus comes. What do you think?’