Page 51 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Settled back in the front room shortly afterwards, Granny asked, ‘So, how’s it all going with the farm developments?’

‘Not bad, not bad. But we’ve had a bit of a hold-up with the building work which is a bit frustrating.’ She explained about the delayed units and how the builders had got on so far. With all the changes now happening on the farm, Rachel felt a sense of sadness too in a way. Ruth would understand better than most. ‘I wish we could have done something like this sooner, Granny. That we’d thought of changing things back then …’

‘I know, pet.’ She sighed softly. ‘But your dad was a very private man. He kept things to himself and that was how he tried to deal with it. You weren’t to know then, pet. None of us were.’

It weighed on Granny too, Rachel could see that. How must it feel to lose a son, your child? Rachel couldn’t bear to even contemplate that … Maisy meant everything to her. Rachel pulled herself back from that thought. It didn’t help to dwell on things too much. They had to look forward, not back.

‘You’re doing a grand job, pet. Your dad’d be proud of all that you’re doing, I’m sure.’

Rachel felt a tear crowd her eye, and took a deep breath. ‘Thanks, Granny.’

There was a moment of contemplation and quiet between them. Rachel looked at the photo of her dad and mum, there on the mantlepiece. It was from before she was born, and they looked so young, so happy.

‘You’ll have to come across soon, Granny, once the kitchen in the barn is done and see how it’s all coming together,’ Rachel offered.

‘Oh yes, I’d like that. And if you ever need a little respite, even just a cup of tea and a chat like today, you know you’re always welcome, pet.’

‘Thank you.’

You never stopped being a granny or a mum or a daughter, never stopped caring about your family, whatever age you were, Rachel realised, holding onto that precious sense of love that filled this little cottage, and Ruth and Rachel’s hearts.