Page 100 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

45

That chilled out time between Christmas and New Year was a chance for Rachel to relax, take stock, and spend some precious moments with Maisy, her family and Tom. They had closed the Pudding Pantry for a few days, so there were no baking schedules, and no opening times to adhere to. Yes, the farm animals still needed her care, a farm never stopped after all, but once the feeds and checks were done, that was it, Rachel finally had the luxury of time.

It had stayed frosty with a smattering of snow, just right for country walks, buzzing about on the quad, and having fun with Maisy and Tom.

Tom took the whole family out for a pub lunch, saying that he wanted to treat them as a thank you for making him so welcome all year and for such a wonderful Christmas dinner. Sitting in a country pub by a roaring log fire with Granny Ruth, Jill, Maisy and Tom, a warming steak and ale pie, a half a pint of cider, a view of the hills, and listening in to the local banter, was simple but blissful. And it was so lovely to be looked after, instead of them being the ones bustling about. Maisy was delighted with her fish-finger sandwich and ice-cream dessert. And Granny Ruth, whose appetite had well and truly returned after her illness, enjoyed a hearty lamb hotpot. Yes, it was a time to enjoy life and take a little bit of well-deserved time out.

Mind you, even there in the pub they couldn’t stop themselves chattering about plans for the Pantry. They were ready to return with renewed vigour for the beginning of the New Year.

‘I’m going to have to come up with a brand-new award-winning recipe for next year, you know, perhaps a Summer Pudding,’ commented Ruth. ‘After all, I’m not sure we’re going to be selling many Christmas puddings for the next six months or more at least.’ The old lady chuckled. ‘I’ve got a reputation to live up to now.’

‘Well, hang on there, Miss Northumberland Mary Berry, let someone else have a chance in the limelight.’ Jill pretended to be affronted. ‘I might just have some other pudding delights up my sleeve. Perhaps we could suggest a battle of the sticky toffee puddings next time.’

‘Hah, yes,’ agreed Rachel, ‘I’m sure you’d put up a good fight – and, I could happen to run by the Gazette offices with some pudding deliveries once more.’

‘Brilliant,’ said Tom, enjoying their banter. ‘The Pudding Pantry would win every time if I were the judge.’

They all laughed.

‘I’ve been thinking, Mum,’ Rachel said, when they’d got back to the farmhouse later that afternoon and were sitting enjoying a pot of tea around the kitchen table. ‘We’ve been tearing ourselves in two trying to do everything and be everything. Yes, we absolutely had to make the most of the build-up in trade for Christmas, but I reckon it’ll get quieter again for January and February. Let’s work smarter, and make a decision to close the Pantry on say Mondays and Tuesdays.’

They were often quiet days, anyhow, and Tom’s earlier warning about her burning herself out had finally come home. These few days, taking a little break, showed her just how precious that breathing space could be … for all of them.

Jill looked up, listening intently as Rachel carried on. ‘I can concentrate on the farm and catch up on any admin work on those days, and you can get a bit of a rest or maybe do some light baking to help prepare for the rest of the week, without having to be up all hours. We need to look after ourselves, as well as the business.’

‘Hmm, yes, I see your point. It’s been a hectic few months, for sure.’

‘Once it gets busier in the spring, then yes, maybe we might need to open say six days a week again, but we can be open-minded and see how it all goes. We need to do well, but we need a bit of balance back in our lives too.’

‘That sounds a very good idea, love.’ Jill placed her hand reassuringly over Rachel’s on the tabletop.

Tom looked across with a smile. ‘And, maybe you and me can get a little more time together too.’

‘Absolutely.’ Rachel grinned.

‘And you can take me swimming or to the park, Mummy!’ Maisy chipped in.

‘Of course.’

A new year already … New Year’s Eve was only a day away now. A fresh start, a season of change, a time of hope and renewal. Who knew what adventures this year might bring, the happy times, the sad? But whatever it brought, the Swinton ladies would be sure to face it together, united, with open hearts, a sense of pride, some fierce determination and a lot of love.

46

‘Rachel, can you come up to the Top Field a minute?’ It was Tom on the phone.

It was New Year’s Eve and they’d had a bit of a lie-in until eight that morning, with Tom staying over once more, then he said he ought to head across and check on his sheep and cattle. So, what was he doing now, in one of her fields? Perhaps he hadn’t realised she’d just been up there herself, putting more hay out. Oh, maybe there was some other issue, perhaps he’d found a weak sheep that was struggling or a break in the fence. Who knew? Every day on the farm brought a new surprise.

‘Is everything all right? What are you doing up there? Are the animals okay?’

‘Yes, nothing to worry about. Just something I need you to check.’

‘Okay. Don’t know why you have to be so secretive about it, though,’ she grumbled in a low voice.

She’d need to set back off on the quad, so she popped her head into the kitchen to deliver the few eggs she’d just collected from the coop, and to let Jill know where she was heading. Maisy was sitting happily at the kitchen table, playing with her new craft set from Christmas.

‘I’m just off to check on the sheep field again, Mum. I’m not sure what’s up but Tom needs me. I won’t be long, petal,’ she added for Maisy’s benefit.

‘Okay, Mummy. See you later. Say hi to Petie from me.’