Page 96 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

They finally made it across to Eve at the Pudding Pantry’s stand at the far side of the marquee.

‘Blimey, it’s sooo busy in here,’ Rachel said, relieved to get there and see that Maisy was still beside her.

‘I know, I haven’t stopped serving this past hour. It’s doing brilliantly though.’

The stall did look rather depleted.

‘And is that everything put out?’

‘Nearly, there’s about four of the marmalade puddings and a couple of ginger ones left in the cool box, that’s all.’

‘Amazing, that’s so great. Good job I’ve brought some more stocks then.’ She rested her cargo on the table top.

They set out the new supplies and also served a couple who were eager to check out the new produce, snapping up a sticky chocolate and two slices of coffee and walnut cake.

‘Right,’ Eve said, ‘I’d better get back to the craft tent now and see how it’s going there.’

‘Yes, of course. Thanks so much for helping out here, you’ve been a godsend – again. How’s this morning been for you?’

‘Steady, I’ve sold a few things, but it’s nothing like how busy it is in here.’

Oh, it would be such a shame if her friend didn’t have a good day of sales too. Rachel knew Eve had been up until midnight finishing more of her toys.

‘Your crafts are just brilliant. I’m sure it’ll pick up. Hang on, have you brought any of your business cards with you?’

‘Ah … yes, there’s some spare ones in my bag.’

‘Right, pass them to me and I’ll pop one in with every sale we do, and I’ll put some on the counter top here next to our flyers.’

‘Aw, thank you. And I’ll take some of your flyers and pop them on my stall too. We may as well help each other out.’

‘Yep. That’s what friends are for.’

‘Good luck, petal,’ said Rachel. ‘Turn up your charm-ometer and go for it!’

‘I’ll try. Oh, and Maisy, Ben says he’ll come and take you and Amelia around the show a bit later when he gets the chance, okay honey?’

‘Okay.’

Maisy sounded a little subdued. Oh crikey, it suddenly dawned on Rachel – there was still no sign of Jake, no text or call – the thoughtless oaf.

‘See you later, then.’

‘Bye, Eve. Best of luck for this afternoon.’

With that, Eve headed off and was soon lost in the snaking surge of customers.

‘Right, Maisy, let’s get to work. Now, you can help me by putting the things people buy in the paper bags, like this. The right way up on the puddings, yeah, so the sticky sauce doesn’t spill, okay?

‘Yes.’

‘Can I have one of these, please, darling?’ A blonde-haired lady leaned towards the counter. ‘A sticky toffee pudding one. Oh, and I’ll take a brownie too.’ And with that they were up and running, mother and daughter working like a well-oiled team.

There was a constant stream of customers for the next hour or so, and the takings looked good in the cash tin. A good day here might just be the turning point for the Pudding Pantry, and knowing the puddings had been so popular gave Rachel a warm feeling of pride. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if their first Kirkton Show was a sell-out?

As a quieter spell hit, Emma from the chocolate stall headed over for a natter. Rachel noted she had the most gorgeous red wavy hair.

‘Wow, looks like you guys have done brilliantly, look at all those empty shelves!’