Page 72 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Chapter 30

DADDY DAYCARE

Maisy was ready, and standing looking out of the farmhouse porch with her unicorn rucksack on at ten-fifteen the next morning. Rachel had made sure she had spare clothes packed, and a swimsuit – she’d make it clear to Jake for paddling up to her knees only – a towel, jelly shoes for the beach, a small juice drink and some mini raisins for a snack.

At twenty-five past ten, Jake arrived in his small, grey van – it was a minor miracle in itself that he was on time. Rachel said hello, then gave him the rundown and the rules and they agreed he’d have Maisy back by 5 p.m. in time for her tea. She also made sure he had her mobile number as well as the farm’s landline in his phone, as well as checking that the number she had for him was current.

She made certain the car seat she’d moved across for Maisy was secure and was sure she could feel Jake’s eyes rolling as she double-checked before letting Maisy clamber in. After strapping her little girl in and ensuring Jake saw how the clips fastened, she kissed her goodbye, and graciously wished them both a lovely day. Then, with a small sigh, she stood back.

‘We’ll be fine, won’t we, Maiz? We’re going to have a great time at the beach,’ Jake said. ‘See you later then.’

‘Bye.’ Rachel felt her throat thicken.

‘Bye, Mummy.’ Maisy was waving. She managed to look both excited and slightly anxious all at once. She’d only ever been away before to Eve’s house or to school. It felt weird letting her go. So many everyday things could go wrong.

Being a mum came with a million worries and a million joys, and sometimes you just had to learn to let go. It still didn’t make it easy though.

‘Look after her,’ she whispered as she watched them set off.

She saw the van get smaller as it headed away down the farm track. As she turned, she found that Jill was stood behind her.

‘All right, love?’ Her mum placed an understanding hand on Rachel’s shoulder.

‘Yeah, I think so. I need a coffee.’ Or maybe a stiff gin might just do the trick, but perhaps not at this hour. It was only ten-thirty and there was a whole day ahead. It was going to be one long one, she was sure.

‘Come on then, love. Let’s make a quick coffee and get ready for opening up the Pantry.’ Jill diverted her, and they wandered across to the barn, where they opened up for their second day of trading.

It still felt a bit surreal unlocking the wooden barn door, turning on all the lights and putting their chalkboard sign outside. She hoped there’d be a few more customers in today. It had been steady yesterday, which gave them a chance to find their feet without a big rush, but it was already the school summer holidays and she’d hoped for a good start. They’d put lots of flyers out around the village, set up a Facebook page for the Pantry, and they’d featured in a great article by Amanda in today’s local newspaper. It was hard to judge how many cakes and bakes to have in. They couldn’t afford to waste too much, yet they wanted to have enough filling the counter to tempt people.

Rachel started by making them two strong coffees. It was early days and she was just being impatient, she scolded herself. Jill set out fresh scones and a marshmallow-filled rocky road traybake she’d made earlier that morning. And, if it was a steady start to their business this week, at least the traditional baked puddings had a nice long refrigerator life which would certainly help matters. Jill’s first ‘Pudding of the Week’ was a delightful summer pudding served with local thick cream – a real summer favourite in the Primrose Farm household. She’d made lots of individual pots last night, which could be kept and turned out as required, with the rich-red fruity juices spilling into the pudding bowl – delicious. Rachel might just have to sample one later, teamed with a cup of fragrant Earl Grey tea.

Earl Grey, she had learned, had links with this very area – oh yes, Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey’s family home was Howick Hall on the Northumberland coast. He was Prime Minister back in the 1830s and loved this blend of tea flavoured with bergamot. Rachel had done some googling the other evening after thinking the name sounded vaguely familiar, and was going to add a historical note to their menu – a nice touch of culture for the customers!

She and Jill sat for a minute or two at one of the tables sipping their coffee.

‘Ready for another day in pudding paradise?’ Mum asked, trying to lift her spirits. She knew today wouldn’t be easy for Rachel with Maisy away.

‘I think so. It does look really good in here, doesn’t it? And you’ve done so well baking all these amazing goodies.’

‘Oh, I love doing the baking, I really do. It makes me feel like I’m Mary Berry every morning. And then, with the Pudding Pantry here in the barn, thinking about how far we’ve come, and when people come in and say such lovely things … Well, I just can’t believe the journey we’re going on, love.’ Her voice trailed with a hint of a sigh.

‘Yes, it’s great, isn’t it. Let’s hope there’s lots more people in today to sample your pudding delights.’ Rachel was still anxious to get more trade.

‘Oh yes, fingers crossed.’

‘Come on then, let’s get to work.’ Rachel took a big sip of coffee. ‘I’ll pop down on the quad and put the board out by the gate.’ They’d taken the large chalkboard advertising the Pudding Pantry in last night, in case of rain or dew smudging all the writing. Eve had been commissioned to complete a wooden sign for the farm entrance for them, but they’d all been so busy lately. Eve had shown her some ideas which looked fab, in a similar style to the sign she’d done for them above the barn door. She’d even drawn up some images for a Pudding Pantry logo, which was all very exciting.

Back at the farmyard, with the chalkboard now out touting for business at the end of the lane, Rachel began watering the two flower pots that stood on either side of the barn door. She’d put them out for the launch day, filling them with a mix of colourful petunias and deep blue lobelia. There were also two hanging baskets trailing a burst of pinks and mauves. They looked jolly and welcoming.

Rachel then remembered that Mum had an old, slightly rusty bicycle that she never used any more – maybe she could fill the pannier basket with compost and buy a few more brightly coloured, summer plants and leave it down by the entrance gate? That might help to catch potential customers’ eyes too. They could even have one of Eve’s wooden plaques on the side with an arrow saying, ‘This way to The Pudding Pantry’. Hmm, she was full of good ideas today – which was at least keeping her mind off other matters. How was Maisy getting on? Where were they now?

The first customer of the day was the postman once again, who stopped for another takeaway coffee and a cheese-and-chive scone. Rachel said today’s snack would be on the house, and asked Trevor if he might just spread the word for them on his rounds.

Jan and Maureen, two friends of Mum’s, came in for coffee and cake, and then they had a family of five call in who were on holiday and ordered a chocolate pud, a syrup sponge with custard, a caramel brownie (a new twist on Jill’s traditional version), and a shortbread, along with teas and milkshakes. They were all settled happily for a while, and then the children went to check out Eve’s toys. She hoped she might get another sale for her.

Just after eleven, Tom appeared. ‘Morning. So, how’s it going, ladies?’ He gave them a gorgeous smile.

‘Not too bad, I keep having to remind myself it’s early days, and there have been a few more customers in the last hour,’ Rachel replied.