Page 81 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘It’s fine. Eve called in by chance, she and Amelia were happy to take charge for a few minutes.’

‘Aw, that’s kind of them.’

‘Eve sends her love and a big get-well-soon hug for you.’

‘Oh, thank her … Where’s Maisy?’

‘She’s with them just now. She’s desperate to see you, but I’ll keep her out of the way for today. You’ll probably be infectious and you need a bit of peace. Have you had enough there?’ Jill eyed the hardly touched scrambled egg.

‘Yeah sorry, not hungry. But thanks.’ Rachel’s voice was still a bit of a rasp.

‘No worries, it was just in case. Right, anything else you need? A cup of tea or anything?’

‘Just water’s fine. Thanks, Mum.’

‘Well, just shout if you need anything.’ They both gave a wry grin at that. ‘You can’t shout, can you, sorry love. I’ll come back and check on you in an hour or so.’

‘Thanks.’ Rachel felt terribly tired once more, and sighed as she lay back on her pillows. She hated feeling this lethargic but there was no way she could manage getting up.

‘Sleep well, love.’

And Jill hushed the door to a close behind her. However old you were, it was still the best to have your mum around when you were poorly.

The next day passed in a bit of a blur, with Rachel drifting in and out of sleep. But by early evening, she managed to sit up in bed and drink the glass of water that she found on the bedside table. She finally felt the stirrings of hunger too.

She got herself up and to the bathroom to freshen up slightly, but still felt weak, so headed back to bed. Jill must have heard the movement, the giveaway creak of the upstairs floorboards, and was soon up to see her.

‘Feeling any better, love?’

‘Yeah, a bit. In fact, can I have some toast? Just buttered, please.’

‘Of course, you can. I’ll fetch some up for you shortly.’

The toast waitress was in fact Maisy, who arrived beaming ten minutes later, with Jill close behind her.

‘Mummy!’

‘Hey, Maisy.’

It was the first time Rachel had been properly ill since she’d had her little girl. They’d missed each other, and the relief was evident on Maisy’s face.

‘I couldn’t keep her away any longer,’ Jill explained.

‘Ah, it’s good to see you, petal. So, what have you been up to?’

‘Helping Grandma in the pudding place.’

‘It’s been all hands on deck. We’ve had a busy couple of days.’

‘Oh yes, of course. Sorry Mum, you’ve had it all to cope with. Just as we were getting established too.’

‘It’s fine. In fact, it’s been good. We’ve had quite a few customers through,’ said Jill positively.

‘And Tom helped too,’ stated Maisy.

‘He did?’

‘Yep, he was a waitress with me.’