Page 35 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Well, when I bring the next batch of chocolate puddings in tomorrow, I’ll bring an extra one for you – complimentary of course,’ offered Jill.

‘That sounds grand. Thank you.’

‘No, thank you for giving us this brilliant opportunity and a retail outlet,’ Rachel replied.

‘So, we’ll be back tomorrow with the second lot of twelve if that’s okay, and then we can see how it goes. Fingers crossed.’ Jill gave a hopeful smile.

Just then, the door chimed as a woman came in and started browsing the shelves. She stopped and scanned the counter where Brenda had set out the Primrose Farm Puddings.

Rachel found she was holding her breath. ‘Right then, we’d better be off and let you get on, Brenda. See you tomorrow.’

‘Yes, thanks ladies.’

At the door, Rachel couldn’t help but look over her shoulder to see if the lady might be interested in their puddings. She heard Brenda saying, ‘Hello there, can I help you with anything?’

She and Jill couldn’t really hang around watching and listening though, so left discreetly, but by the looks on their faces, they’d both have loved to be flies on the wall just then.

Who might their first customer be?

They celebrated with tea (Jill), hot chocolate (Rachel), and a slice of Victoria sponge each in the tearooms on the high street.

‘Wow, we really did it, Mum.’ Rachel beamed.

Jill smiled back. ‘Yes, we did. Fingers crossed they’ll go down well, and that Brenda’s not left with a stockroom full of old puddings.’

‘I think word’s out already. I know Eve’s telling everyone she knows, and Tom’s already said he’ll be popping in to buy one. I saw him in the lane earlier today. He asked me to text him once they were in.’ Oh, yes, he’d pulled up beside Rachel as she was out on the quad and she’d felt a rash of a blush warm her neck and face. Thankfully, he hadn’t mentioned anything about dropping her off the other night.

‘Aw, that’s nice of him.’

‘You’ll be the Queen of Puddings soon, I’m sure.’ Rachel raised her hot chocolate mug. ‘To Primrose Farm Puddings. Cheers!’

‘Yes, cheers! Ooh, blimey, can you believe it; we’re officially baking entrepreneurs! Not bad for a pair of farmers!’

There was a frisson of positivity and a jangle of nerves between them. And yes, things were starting to look up at last.