Page 85 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Just a small one then. I’m yet to drive to and from the church.’

The bedroom door opened after a brief knock, to reveal Granny Ruth looking very smart in a plum-coloured jacket and skirt, followed closely by Jill, who was bearing a tray of tea and mini meringues with fresh cream and raspberries on top.

‘Hello, lasses. Oh, it looks all go in here,’ Granny beamed.

‘And I’ve got a few treats here that Granny has made. It’s a long while until the reception, and I think your tummies might need a bit of lining,’ added Jill with a smile, as she popped the tray down on the side.

‘Thank you, Granny. They look divine.’ Rachel’s eyes lit up.

‘And,’ Jill continued, ‘your Granny’s also been up half the night, by the looks of it, and made a hundred and fifty bite-sized lemon meringue pies and more of these raspberry meringues to go with your reception drinks at the Pantry.’

‘Oh, Granny. You’re very naughty, you should be resting. But thank you.’ Rachel went over to give her a hug.

‘I wanted to do my bit to help out, that’s all, pet.’

‘Love the outfit, Mrs Swinton. Gorgeous colour on you.’ Eve was smiling across at Ruth.

‘Thank you, Eve. Jill and I had a wee shopping expedition down to John Lewis in Newcastle. She persuaded me to splash out on something new.’

‘Well, it’s just perfect, Granny,’ added Rachel proudly.

‘Right then, time’s rolling on,’ said Jill, checking her watch. ‘I’ll catch up with you girls in a minute. I need to be getting my glad rags on too. Ruth, do you want a cup of tea down in the kitchen while I get ready, or are you happy here?’

‘Well, if the young ’uns don’t mind, I’d like to sit here and be part of all the preparations … and I might have a wee taste of that bubbly I’ve just spotted there, Rachel.’ She gave a wink.

Hair and make-up done, prosecco sipped, Rachel sat back and took everything in for a few minutes. There seemed to be a whole heap of love, excitement and anticipation in that room. The bridesmaids were now putting on their satin dresses, and Maisy and Amelia were waltzing about having been popped into theirs.

Then, it was time for Rachel to get into her own dress. She went across the landing to Jill’s room where it hung, knocked softly and walked in to see her mum ready in her frock, a lovely shift dress in soft pink florals with a short pale pink jacket.

‘Oh, Mum, you look wonderful.’ She’d seen her outfit on once before, as Jill had had a try-on after the shopping day out. But today, it looked even more special. Dad’s photo was looking over at them from its place on the dressing table. Rachel gazed from that back to her mum, and they shared a poignant look.

‘Now don’t start me off already, love,’ Jill smiled with misted eyes.

‘I’ve come to fetch my dress. It’s nearly time, Mum.’

‘Yes, my love.’ She took both her daughter’s hands in hers.

‘Shall I put it on in here? Then go and show the girls?’

‘Yes, why not.’

Jill helped her into the beautiful gown. The care and attention to detail with which Eve had crafted it was stunning – it had a sleeveless bodice that fell from the shoulders to form a soft V at Rachel’s bosom, and was tight into the waist, where it buttoned down the back. Below that, it fell into the most magical long tulle skirt, with appliquéd ivory flowers that Eve had sewn on from the waist down to the hem, scattered prettily like fragile blooms in the wind.

‘Oh, well that’s done it,’ Jill sniffed, looking at her daughter with pride. ‘Thank heavens for waterproof mascara, that’s all I can say. Here, let me help with the buttons at the back.’ Jill carefully fastened them. ‘Oh love, you look beautiful. Tom is going to be bowled over.’

Rachel stepped before the full-length mirror. Wow, it didn’t even look like her! Who was this imposter? Some girl from a fairy tale … but, she didn’t believe in fairy tales, she reminded herself – well, not since she was six. You had to make your own way in life, and you didn’t need a prince to make it work out. But … if you found that someone to love and respect you, someone who could hold you at night. If you loved them too, and wanted to help make their world a better place; if you were willing to work together through the ups and downs that life could throw at you, then that was as good a reason as any she could think of for getting married.

Jill tweaked the folds of the dress and then the waves in her daughter’s hair. ‘Perfect.’

‘Oh, and there’s my flower hair garland to put on top yet. It’s in my room.’

‘Well then, let’s go and see the others and put the final touches in place.’ They made to leave the room but Jill caught her by the hand. ‘Rachel …’ They both stopped, realising this might be the last private moment they’d have before the wedding service. ‘You have the most wonderful day. Savour every precious moment … Oh, it’ll fly by, and you’ll both be so busy, so don’t forget to go and find Tom every now and again, just for a few minutes, and make your own special memories.’

‘I will. Thanks, Mum.’

‘Dad would be so very proud of you, my love.’

Rachel took a huge breath and smiled, which was soon followed by a happy, emotional sniff. ‘So glad Hannah used the waterproof mascara on me too,’ she quipped.