Page 42 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Got to keep the workers happy,’ Jill commented with a smile.

‘Yes,’ agreed Maisy.

‘Absolutely, or we’ll go on strike, won’t we, Maisy?’ Rachel jested.

The farmhouse kitchen was a happy buzzy place to be just now. The pudding production line had brought it back to life.

That evening, Rachel was browsing on Instagram and Google for interior design inspiration – on a budget. She wanted the barn to look pretty with a country feel, and be welcoming and cosy. She’d printed off some pictures of white-painted wooden furniture, and for lighting she’d spotted the most gorgeous glass chandeliers that could hang from the wooden rafters. They would add a touch of sparkle and warmth, though in reality, she mused, they probably couldn’t afford something like that. Then, there was the counter area to create, but she struggled to visualise how it might all work together.

What she needed was an artistic friend in tow. So, she caught up with Eve at the school pick-up the next day, telling of her design thoughts.

‘Ooh, this all sounds great, Rach. You know what, me and you need to brainstorm all this properly. Come up with all sorts of ideas for your Pudding Pantry and choose the best ones to move forward with, then of course you can chat them over with Jill. What do you think? You could call around one evening this week?’

It sounded a fab idea, and better to thrash out her thoughts with a creative friend before launching them half-formed on Jill just yet.

‘Yes, that sounds great, and I’m sure Mum’ll be happy to be keep an eye on Maisy for an evening.’

‘Perfect, just let me know which day. Bring your pics along and any of your ideas so far. And,’ she added with a cheeky wink, ‘we need to plan over prosecco. Nothing breeds creativity like a bit of gorgeous fizz.’

‘Now you’re talking! Sounds good to me, thanks Eve.’

Thursday was the agreed prosecco planning night.

Rachel had settled Maisy in bed, and Jill was going to use the time to make another batch of chocolate puds to build up supplies. Then she was planning on making the most of a quiet night to have a lovely bubble bath and read her latest crime book.

‘Off you trot,’ she’d said to Rachel. ‘Don’t you be worrying about time, you go off and enjoy yourself.’

Rachel headed over to Eve’s on the quad. She could always walk back and fetch it in the morning if the prosecco proved plentiful. It was a mild night, a little cloudy but warm. The evenings were drawing out now that they’d reached mid-May, so it was still light, with an early smattering of stars starting to appear. Eve greeted her with a hug and a kiss at her cottage front door, suggesting they sit outside in her back garden.

‘There isn’t actually much space inside at the moment anyhow, what with all my latest crafting mid-flow – the place is bursting at the seams with felt and woollen balls and sequins – it’s like a haberdashery on a high!’ Eve laughed.

‘Oh, can I see what you’re making?’ Rachel loved all the things that her clever, artistic friend created. Eve was so talented. Rachel also wanted to see if there might be some crafts that would be ideal to sell in their Pudding Pantry shop. Oh yes, she had decided a little shop area could work well within the tearooms and had already mooted this with Jill who was more than happy with that – she couldn’t wait to share the idea with Eve. They would have puddings for sale to take away, as well as a counter full of goodies to eat in, but Rachel could also imagine a dresser filled with Eve’s gorgeous craft creations – children’s toys and gifts, wooden wall plaques, pretty candle-holders and more. It was a chance to showcase her friend’s talent, and return the favour for all the help she’d offered on the packaging designs – as yet, she’d insisted on not taking a penny from them.

‘Come on then, come and have a look in the dining room, also known as my craft zone. I’ll warn you though, it really has taken over.’

Amongst the scraps of material, needle sets, coloured card, scissors, balls of wool, and reels of ribbons, were some finished toys made of felt and fabric. They were the cutest things – all animal designs: a red squirrel, hare, hedgehog, mice, sheep, cows, dogs, and cats, dressed in tweed waistcoats or mini floral pinafores, and some with just bow ties (the hedgehog must have been hard to clothe!). They were similar to the finger puppets that Eve had made for Maisy’s party, but were much bigger and easier for a child to hug.

‘Aw, these are adorable, Eve.’

Then, Rachel spotted some of the woodwork items stacked up on Eve’s dresser – hearts and stars and hanging plaques bearing little messages like ‘Home Sweet Home’ or ‘Life Is Beautiful’. She particularly like the distressed-wood drinks coasters with ‘Gin Time!’ and ‘Prosecco Moments!’ There was also a box of handmade cards. Rachel sifted through them, an array of 3D and cut-out designs all crafted beautifully – ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘Thank You’, ‘New Baby’ and more. These were all things that would surely sell well in a countryside shop and café.

‘You’re amazing, really.’ Rachel smiled broadly at her friend. She then spotted some delightful bunting flags strung on white satin ribbon just perfect for a new baby’s nursery. ‘Ooh, this is gorgeous Eve, do you think you could make me some bunting for the Pudding Pantry? Something vintage looking … I’m not sure what colour schemes to go for yet, though I have seen some pretty white wooden furniture designs. We’ll have to have a think on what might work best.’

‘Of course. And yes, we’ll brainstorm all things puddings and tearooms and barns. Let’s go and get a glass of prosecco poured,’ Eve announced with a smile.

They were soon sitting outside in the twilight hush at a little wrought-iron table for two with a glass of prosecco to hand, crispy-sweet mini meringues that Eve had made and a bowl of strawberries between them.

‘I’m so excited for you and this project.’ Eve grinned. ‘You’ve all been through so much, and I’m so proud of you taking this new step forward. It’s brave and it’s wonderful, and I really do think it can work.’

‘I bloody well hope so.’ Rachel took a sip of prosecco.

‘Do you remember all our dreams and big ideas back in the day? When we were playing dress-up, I wanted to be a fashion designer, draping you in all sorts of colourful scarves and knits …’

‘Hah, well you really are making them now, with your gorgeous children’s jumpers and the knitted toys.’

‘Not quite London fashion week though.’

‘No, but … hey, don’t run yourself down. They’re great and you’re using your skills, your passion, your creativity.’