Page 39 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

And even before the group started to pack up and head away, she had five bookings for the next session, with the other attendees promising to check their diaries.

Coats were gathered and several takeaway crumbles and some chocolate brownies were bought as the various guests made to leave.

‘Thank you, it’s been a delightful evening,’ said Pam, ‘Well worth the trip. I’ll mention it all to my friends in Alnwick this week.’

‘Thank you so much for coming,’ said Jill.

‘Goodnight, and thank you,’ Rachel called out.

‘You did brilliantly,’ said Eve, giving her friend a big hug. ‘I knew you could do it. It really was fun.’

‘Amazing crumbles, too,’ added Charlotte. ‘Sam’ll love the Toffee Apple one I’ve bought, so that’s pudding sorted for Sunday dinner already. Perfect. My kind of baking!’

‘Catch you soon, ladies,’ chanted Eve, and off went Rachel’s friends with a jolly wave.

‘Shall we have a five-minute breather before we clear up? Go and have a quick sit down in the kitchen by the Aga with a brew? I don’t know about you, but I feel shattered,’ admitted Jill.

‘Hah, I think someone else is shattered too.’ Rachel pointed across at little Maisy, who was slumped to one side in her chair, eyes closed, and her mouth slightly open. ‘Yes, let’s head back over, get this one to bed, and we can see how Granny is too. She really doesn’t seem herself with that cough.’

‘Yes, I hope she’s all right. She’ll be ready for home, I’m sure. And let’s not worry about the washing-up just now, Rachel. It’s been a long day. I can do it in the morning.’

‘Okay, and thanks for everything, Mum, – for all your support with the Pudding Club.’

‘No worries, we’re a team. I’m pleased it went well, it was a good night,’ added Jill.

‘Yes, and a really great start for the Pudding Club,’ Rachel agreed, with a sense of relief and a pinch of joy. ‘What a lovely group too.’

Jill and Rachel gave each other a happy high five behind the counter of the Pantry.

‘Well, there’s one little girl and one old lady back at the farmhouse to get home and safely to bed. Time to go.’

‘Yep.’ Rachel scooped up Maisy in her arms, who stirred but then closed her eyes again. Rachel walked carefully out and, while Jill locked up for the night, turning the big metal key in the old barn door, she stood poised on the sill, her arms heavy but in no way burdened with her child. We did it, Dad, she spoke silently to herself, looking up at the old converted barn. Tonight was another step on the way back up.

The Fifth Bake of Christmas

Mary’s Black Forest Gateau – 1975

Frank’s Memory:

It was our tenth wedding anniversary. It had been such a busy day at work and I walked in, shattered, to our house … it smelt rich and sweet of chocolate and something more, I couldn’t quite think what. I had some flowers and a card with me, I hadn’t forgotten. Anniversaries were always special to us.

So, there was my Mary in the kitchen, putting the final touches to a gateau, a Black Forest Gateau no less. She knew it was one of my favourites, but she’d never made it for me before. It was chocolate sponge with juicy dark cherries – that was the other ingredient of course – and lightly whipped cream, an absolute delight. She was a wonderful cook, my Mary, bless her soul. I swear that was the best cake I ever did eat … made with real love that one.

16

A few days later, and Rachel was still riding high on the success of the inaugural Pudding Club. Nothing could dampen her spirits – well, except that right now there was a mysterious woman sitting at table three in the Pantry, looking her way … in fact, staring at Rachel. She was finding the whole thing a little unnerving and was trying to occupy herself behind the counter.

The lady must have been in her early thirties and had straight dark hair that fell sleekly beneath a navy beret, to just below her shoulders. The fingernails that grasped her coffee cup were polished in a fuchsia pink. Rachel had a vague feeling that she recognised her; but she didn’t look at all like a local, not even like their usual holidaymakers.

As she caught Rachel’s eye, her glance was cool. Rachel couldn’t put her finger on it, but she felt uneasy. She raised a smile as she would for any customer. In response, the woman’s mouth gave a twitch at the corners, giving the barest trace of a smile back.

Rachel busied herself tidying a nearby table of its empty cups, and she felt mightily relieved when Frank strolled in.

‘Hello, Rachel pet.’

‘Hi, Frank. How are you today?’

‘Grand pet, just grand.’