Page 92 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Thank you, Grandma.’ Maisy beamed happily.

Within the hour they’d had tea and cakes together and made two pink-and-silver beaded bracelets, one for Maisy and another to give to Amelia.

‘Can I see Amelia soon, Mummy?’

‘Yes, I expect so. Maybe she can come and play one day. I’ll give Eve a ring.’

‘Yippee!’

Rachel had been lying low for the past week as far as Eve was concerned, not wanting to tell her friend all that had happened with Tom. She had no idea that Rachel had stayed the night with him. That night and the morning after had been so momentous for Rachel that she hadn’t wanted to go into details with anyone, and she knew Eve would be prying for all the details as far as Tom was concerned! Some things were best kept to yourself. Also, there was no point in raking over everything if it was going nowhere.

She made the call to Eve, intending to talk about the girls meeting up.

‘Hi, Rach. Well, you’ve been quiet lately. What’s up?’

‘Nothing … well, it’s just been busy on the farm and with the Pudding Pantry, but everything’s fine. What about you?’

‘I’ve got a place booked in the craft tent at the Kirkton Country Show that’s coming up soon, so I’ve been full on trying to make lots of toys and gifts. I’ve got a production line going on at my place at the moment.’

‘Well, why don’t I help with Amelia then? Maisy’s just been asking if they can get together. I could take them swimming one morning or something. Give you a break.’ It was time she took Maisy out for a treat, especially whilst it was still the holidays. The Pudding Pantry had taken all their focus and energy lately.

‘Oh, could you, that’d be just brilliant.’

‘Yeah, I’ll just check which day’ll work best with Mum. I imagine one morning mid-week. I’ll call you back and confirm.’

‘Great stuff. And, we’ll catch up for a coffee sometime too, yeah?’

‘Yeah, maybe I can stop by when I drop Amelia back off that day. Just a quick one with you being so busy.’ She really hoped her friend wouldn’t mention Tom when she saw her next; Rachel didn’t know if her face might give her away, revealing all the confusing and painful emotions that lay behind the developments this past week.

The Kirkton Country Show: Eve had set Rachel thinking. It was always on the August bank holiday Monday and it was a big event in the local area, attended by thousands of people. Rachel had often gone herself, especially when Dad was still alive. There were stalls with people selling everything from homemade pies to ales and crafts, and there were livestock parades and prizes. She remembered there was a specific food tent too. The Pudding Pantry needed publicity and more sales – this could be the answer she was looking for and it was virtually on their doorstep.

Maisy was now sitting happily watching a programme about puppies on the TV. Rachel seized the moment and called Eve back.

‘Hi, Eve, I’ve just been thinking, how did you get booked on to the show? I know it’s a bit late in the day, but if we could get a stall in the food tent, it’d be great for us to get our name out there, and hopefully plenty of pudding sales too.’ For the first time in days she felt the stirrings of excitement.

Eve gave her the necessary contact details and wished her luck. It was a long shot, as spaces had probably been snapped up ages ago, but worth a try.

Rachel called the organiser right away, holding her breath, and, much to her delight and amazement, they were in! They’d had a late cancellation due to ill health. Rachel agreed to take the slot right away and paid a deposit over the phone. She had yet to break the news to Jill, who she hoped would be as thrilled as she was. It was just such a good opportunity. So, it’d be all hands to the pump for the next ten days – a proper pudding-making mission. They had a stall to fill at the Kirkton Show – whoop, whoop! – and it might just help take her mind off a certain Tom Watson.