Page 23 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

The farmhand, Simon, had just set off on the quad to check how Edward and Chevy, the two Cheviot rams, were getting on higher up the valley in the other field, where they had been released earlier that morning. The two flocks had been purposely set well apart to avoid any interbreeding accidents.

Rachel was just having a quick breather, gazing out across the beautiful valley, when her mobile vibrated in her pocket. ‘Hello?’

‘Rach, hey, you haven’t phoned me! It’s been days since you dropped Amelia off.’ It was Eve, and by the sounds of it, yet someone else irked by her absence. ‘So, I’ve made some cookies, anyhow. You must call in and have some while they’re fresh. You are at risk of becoming a farmyard recluse, hun. So, is it coffee-break time, yet?’

‘Ah … Well, I’ve just finished putting the tups out so I suppose it can be. It’ll have to be a quick one, mind, I still have lots to do.’

‘No problem, that’s great. I’ll see you soon then. And afterwards we can walk down and collect the girls from the school bus together.’

Crikey, was it that time already? The days seemed to just fly by. ‘Okay, thanks, I’ll see you shortly.’

It would be lovely to see Eve, Rachel realised, even if it was only for a snatched coffee break. It was weeks since the friends had met up properly. It wasn’t just Tom she hadn’t had much time to see lately.

Fifteen minutes later, after a quick catch up with Simon who confirmed all was well with the sheep and rams, Rachel headed across to her friend’s cottage.

‘Come on in, I’m in the kitchen,’ Eve sang out. ‘It’s the only place with a seat not covered in wool or craft materials just now. It’s driving Ben nuts.’ Her friend carried on chatting loudly, as Rachel made her way down the narrow hallway. ‘I’m on a pre-Christmas craft-making bonanza.’

‘That sounds great – hard work though.’ Rachel popped her head around the kitchen door, to find her friend dressed in denim dungarees, with a bright flower-patterned long-sleeved tee, her auburn curly hair piled high in a ponytail. Eve was pouring water from the kettle into a cafetière. The aroma of fresh coffee filling the air. Rachel also caught a whiff of the cookies that were smelling divinely chocolatey and looked delightful, stacked on a plate on the side.

‘Oh, wow, they look good. And, can I have a peek at what you’re making craft-wise? Then I can get some ideas of what we can display for you at The Pudding Pantry for the run up to Christmas. The dressers need restocking and some new and festive things would be fabulous.’

Eve led her through to the dining room while the coffee was brewing. There were piles of grey-painted wooden hearts and stars, and the prettiest dainty wooden angels, strung ready to hang on a Christmas tree. Cute soft-toy animals sat in rows – the hedgehog was particularly adorable – with little Santa hats on and festive bow ties. There were mini Christmas jumpers for babies and toddlers; chunky knits adorned with red-breasted robins, red-nosed reindeers, charming snowmen and sparkly snowflakes.

‘Eve, this is brilliant. You’re so talented. These must take ages to make,’ Rachel enthused, holding up a felt fox dressed in a fabulous waistcoat with holly patterns on.

‘Ah, not that long, really. It’s just the volumes I need to do to keep up with my online orders that takes the time, and I still need to make a load more for a couple of craft fairs I’ve got coming up.’

‘Well, the Christmas soft toys would look gorgeous on the shelves of the dressers in the Pantry, and those tree decorations would be great. I just love the angels. I was thinking of getting a Christmas tree up in the barn fairly soon actually, we’re nearly into November after all. Set the scene for the run up to Christmas. What do you think?’

‘Oh yes, that’d be lovely. I can just picture it there, with fairy lights twinkling away.’

‘So, can you make some extra crafts for us too? Sorry, it sounds like you’re super-busy as it is, but I’m sure we’ll get some sales for you.’

‘Of course, and I’ve still got more festive goodies yet to make. There’ll be wooden coasters with Christmas messages on and pretty tealight holders too. I was even thinking of making some fir wreaths with red tartan gingham ribbons nearer to Christmas.’

‘Ooh, they sound lovely. Put us down for one of those. I can just picture it hanging so pretty there on the barn door.’

‘Aw, thanks. Right then, coffee time. I’ve had enough of all this craft stuff for today. My fingers are aching, and my brain’s gone to mush concentrating on all the small detail.’

The two friends were soon sitting on stools at the breakfast bar in Eve’s galley kitchen with a cafetière between them, two glass mugs ready to fill, and the plate of warm cookies.

‘So, where have you been hiding, Rach? You’ve disappeared, except for the school run, and even then, you always seem to be dashing off.’

Rachel looked down at her hands and shifted uncomfortably on the stool. ‘Life’s just pretty hectic right now.’

‘Yeah, it must be pretty tough, what with the farm and everything to keep going. You have such a full-on life, Rachel, even more so than mine. But, if there’s anything you ever want to chat about, I’m here. You can always talk to me, that’s what friends are for.’

‘Ah,’ Rachel sighed, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Should she share how the Pantry was running into difficulties? She didn’t want the local community knowing how slow things were. Sometimes that just encouraged the downward spiral. But this was Eve, and Eve was no gossip. Eve had shared her hopes, fears and dreams from as far back as primary school.

‘Well, the Pantry is struggling a bit just now, which is a real worry after all the investment we’ve put in.’

‘Oh, that’s tough. I had noticed it’s been a bit quieter of late when I’ve called in. But, you know, maybe it’s just that time of year. My crafts business slowed right down after the summer, but now I’m on the up again with my Christmas pre-orders. I’m sure you’ll pick up soon with the Christmas trade.’

‘Maybe. And I know it’s early days and we’re still getting established …’ Rachel paused.

‘Well, if there’s anything me and Ben can do to help?’

‘Thanks.’