Page 43 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Eve nodded in acknowledgement, softly smiling. ‘And then there you were, ever practical, happier in wellies than high heels, even though I could make you totter around in your mum’s special pair of stilettos that were way too big for you, whilst you were making plans for the farm. And, when you were a teenager you had your dream of going off to agricultural college to learn all the latest farming developments. You already wanted to make a difference back then.’

‘And then there was Maisy to think of, of course,’ Rachel commented. Reality had taken over.

‘Yes, well, you just had to hold fire on those big ideas for a while, and you’ve done a brilliant job of being a mum. That’s a huge achievement in itself, hun.’

‘And … there was Amelia following soon after,’ added Rachel.

‘Well, yes, but then I was all settled with Ben, and couldn’t wait. I think you’d made me all broody. Life just turns on a sixpence sometimes …’

There was a moment of quiet when they must have both been thinking of the much harder times that had followed at Primrose Farm, then Eve gave a sigh and a smile. ‘And now this, you and Jill being brave enough to go ahead and change things at the farm. It’s maybe not quite panned out quite how you’d imagined way back then, I know it’s been so tough, but here you are; strong and determined, and willing to give this Pudding Pantry a try at least.’

Rachel looked across at Eve. She was so grateful that their friendship had spanned the years. She felt a warm glow at her words, but was she overestimating her courage? ‘Sometimes, I don’t feel as strong as I come across, Eve.’

‘Hey … that’s okay too, Rach. That’s when you come and find me … and your other friends, your family …’

Rachel found her vision had gone a bit fuzzy as a tear caught in her eye. ‘Now look what you’ve made me do.’ She took a delightful sip of bubbly, diverting attention from her glistening eyes. ‘Mmmn, delicious. Right, let’s get on with this brainstorming then.’

‘Of course, yes.’ Eve popped a strawberry into her mouth. ‘Right, I’ve got some A4 paper here, some coloured pens, and we’ll smash the ideas out.’

‘Great. So, on the barn interior,’ Rachel was eager to get started, ‘I’ve had some ideas for general style and furniture. Can I test them out on you?’

‘Go right ahead.’

‘So, I’m thinking “country” and “pretty”, a mix of old and new. Somewhere you’d like to hang out and relax with your friends or bring your granny for lunch, that kind of thing. Hang on, I’ve got some images that I’ve saved on my phone to give you a better idea. Now, I can picture a serving counter a bit like that one, all made in natural wood, and a glass refrigerated counter for all the puddings, cakes and other delights.’

‘Of course. The puddings will be the stars of the show.’

She showed Eve a few pictures. ‘The stone walls I want to keep much as they are,’ Rachel continued. ‘And, I’m thinking white-painted wooden furniture with a gorgeous dresser or two to display things on.’

‘Ooh, yes, I love it. Yes! And what about having jam jars filled with posies on each table? And wooden spoons with the table numbers on? That’ll fit so well with the baking theme.’

‘Great. That’d be so pretty having flowers, and posies would be inexpensive to do … And, if we can afford it, look at these … I’d love two glass chandeliers, just small ones like those in the image there. See how they catch the light and make it look really special.’

‘Wow, yes, it sounds unusual to have chandeliers in a barn but in fact it works really well.’

‘They will be a bit expensive though, I had a quick look at prices,’ Rachel admitted. ‘But, if I can get the tables and chairs and a dresser second-hand and paint them all myself, then I might just be able to splash out on the chandeliers. Well, I’ll have to wait and see. There’ll be a lot more essential things to pay out on first.’

‘Oh, I hope you can get them, they add a magical, sparkly touch.’

‘And, there’s something else I’d like to have in the tearooms. In fact, I’ve got a proposition for you. I’ve already talked it over with Mum.’

‘Yes?’ Eve sounded curious.

‘Would you like to sell some of your wonderful crafts with us? I’m picturing a dresser filled with “Eve’s Cottage Crafts”.’

‘Oh, my word. Are you serious?’

‘Of course, I am. It’ll look great with all your soft toys and folded knits on the shelves and those gorgeous stars and hearts and cards for sale. What a lovely addition to our tearoom that would be.’

Eve looked happily stunned.

‘And if we agree the prices together,’ Rachel continued, with her business mind on a roll, ‘we’d take a small cut, and you’d get the rest.’

‘I think that’s an amazing idea. I’d still need to keep up with my Etsy orders, though.’

‘Of course. But I know you’ve been making more than that. I mean, look at all the stuff you’ve got there piled in your dining room. It’s an ideal extra outlet for you. And quality local crafts made right here in the valley will be really popular, I’m certain.’

‘Eve’s Cottage Crafts. I haven’t named my business formally yet, but I do like that. Can I steal it?’