Page 73 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Well, I’m here for my bacon roll and a coffee, please. It’s been a busy morning and I’m ready for a break. This saves me having to go back and make it for myself. And then, I might just have to have one of your amazing sticky toffee puddings to take away too.’

‘Coming right up,’ Jill smiled, taking some bacon from the fridge, ready to put on the griddle.

‘Where’s your little helper this morning?’ he asked Rachel.

‘Maisy?’

‘The one and only.’

‘Off with her dad for the day.’

‘Ah, right.’

‘First time. Can’t help wondering how she’s getting on.’

‘Yeah, that’ll be a bit tricky for you … and for her, I bet.’ He seemed understanding of the unusual situation.

‘It is a bit, but I’m sure she’ll be fine.’ Rachel was trying to stay positive. They were one hour down already. Only six to go … ‘Much on at the farm, Tom?’ She changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on Maisy’s absence too much.

‘Yep, got the joys of rounding up and worming the sheep today. I think we’ll be starting harvesting pretty soon too, maybe early August. My wheat crop’s nearly ready.’ Tom had arable land as well as keeping cattle and sheep. He had a larger farm than Rachel and Jill’s, and his fields went further into the flatter part of the valley, and those acres were more suited for growing crops than the land at Primrose Farm. So he had plenty on at this time of year.

‘There you go, Tom.’ Jill placed the completed order on the counter. ‘One coffee and a bacon roll.’

‘Cheers, that looks great. So, how much do I owe you?’

‘Oh …’ Jill floundered. ‘Well, I don’t feel we can charge you after all your help, Tom.’

‘Nope, I insist. How can I keep coming back if you won’t take payment? It’s a business, so I’d like to start on the right footing.’

‘Well, okay,’ conceded Jill. ‘That’ll be nine pounds ninety then, please, with the sticky toffee in too.’

He settled up, took a sip of his coffee, then took a table and sat scanning the local newspaper that Rachel had left out. He looked up and added, ‘And it tastes even better,’ giving a thumbs up.

After a short while, Tom came across to the counter to collect the sticky toffee pud to take home.

‘That’s supper sorted,’ he joked.

‘Perfect. Who needs a main course when you can have pudding?!’ said Rachel.

‘Absolutely. That should be the official mantra of the Pudding Pantry! Well, that’s me off to round up the sheep now. I’ll see you about, yeah.’ He held her gaze for a second or two, as though about to say something else, but then seemed to think better of it.

‘Yeah, see you soon.’ And she realised just how much she did want to see him again soon. He’d been in her thoughts so much more lately, and in a different way – maybe it was the effect of the Poldark incident, as she had named it. But taking that step further, organising a meet-up or, dare she suggest it, ‘a date’, seemed somehow wrong. Who knew what Tom was thinking, and she might just embarrass herself. They were far better off as they were, as they had always been: as friends and neighbours. She needed to keep her mind on the job, the farm, their fledgling Pudding Pantry business, without letting herself get caught up in fanciful, romantic ideas – which would probably just end in complete disaster.

Yes, that would definitely be for the best. But as Tom turned his back on her, she couldn’t help but wish he’d turn around again, and find an excuse to stay.

‘Trust Jake to be late,’ Rachel said, simmering with frustration. She and Jill were now back at the farmhouse, having locked up the pantry for the day. ‘Maisy’ll be getting hungry by now.’ They usually had their supper soon after five.

‘I thought I’d make us some ham and fried eggs with a few sauté potatoes. There was quite a bit of ham left over today.’

‘Okay, that sounds nice. Although I don’t know if I can even eat, Mum, I feel like my stomach’s churning.’

‘Well don’t worry, we’ll wait a bit yet. Give Maisy a chance to get in and tell us all about her day trip. It’ll have been a big day for her, I’m sure,’ said Jill reassuringly.

‘Yes, I wonder how she’s coped with it all? I do hope Jake’s been good with her.’

‘Ah, I’m sure he’ll have muddled through somehow. He’s probably spoilt her rotten.’

‘Knowing her wily ways, she’ll have diverted him to a gift shop at some point.’