Page 53 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Well, that’s sorted then. I’ll dig out my old recipe, and check it over. Then maybe you could type it up on your laptop thingie for me to hand out on the night.’

‘Of course, I will.’

‘Good, that’s settled then.’ With that, Ruth’s cough came hacking back, wracking her for a few seconds.

‘Oh Granny, your cough’s still not gone.’ Rachel quickly went to fetch her a glass of water. After passing it to her, she rubbed her back to soothe her. ‘It’s still troubling you?’

‘Aye, pet.’

‘And did you go to the doctors?’ Rachel could imagine her stubborn Granny holding off from doing that.

‘In fact, I did.’

Well that was something. ‘Good, and?’

‘Like I thought, there’s nothing much they can do. Didn’t want to give me antibiotics and said to take some honey lozenges and keep an eye on it. Honey lozenges! Hah, a drop of whisky in a hot toddy is the best thing. I’ve been having one each night.’

‘Well, whatever works best, I suppose.’

‘It certainly helps you sleep.’ She gave a cheeky wink.

‘Well, as soon as Mum gets back, I’ll take you home.’ Rachel was aware that Granny would be getting tired and in need of her bed. ‘Or you can stay over here if you’d rather; the spare room’s always made up for you?’

‘I’d rather be back in my own bed, tonight, pet. So, anytime when you and Jill are ready, that’ll be grand.’

‘Of course.’

Jill was soon back over, with a smile and a spring in her step. ‘Well, that went off well, didn’t it? Once we saw old V.P.P. off, that is. What a misery, that woman is.’

‘Hah, yes, I was telling Granny all about it, before. I was just about to head back and drop her home now that you’re here.’

‘I’m a bit tired,’ Ruth explained.

‘She’s done a great job with Maisy. Fast asleep in bed.’

‘Once a mother, always a mother. I haven’t lost the knack.’ Ruth smiled.

And it was true, you never stopped being a mother, no matter how old your children were.

Rachel made sure she gave her granny the biggest of hugs as she dropped her off and saw her safely in to her cottage.

‘Now, what’s all that for?’ the old lady asked, surprised by the extra show of affection.

‘Just because! Sleep well, Granny. And watch that cough. I’ll pop round and see you soon.’

23

A large cardboard box on legs was coming through the Pudding Pantry doors.

‘Can you give me a hand here, Rach? Think I’ve tried to carry too much at once.’ The stripy navy-and-white tights below the box belonged to Eve, who seemed to be carrying an absolute mountain of crafts.

‘On my way,’ Rachel called laughing. She dashed from behind the counter to help take the bulky box and place it on the floor. It was laden with wooden stars, hearts, table decorations and glass baubles, rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs, sheep – all of the soft toy variety, and much more.

‘My Christmas crafts for your dresser displays,’ Eve announced.

‘My, someone has been busy!’

‘Too right, I haven’t stopped for days – been burning the midnight oil making all these.’