Page 6 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘We thought the hen might be a good time to give you a sneak preview …’

‘A sneak preview of what? Would anybody care to enlighten me?’ Rachel raised her eyebrows from underneath Eve’s slightly clammy palms. After taking several steps together, Eve lifted her hands away with an ‘Eek …’ just as Jill called out ‘Ta-dah!’

Rachel found herself in the double bedroom assigned to her mum.

‘Mu-um?’

‘All will be revealed very soon, love. Oh, I do hope you like it …’

There was an air of tension as Eve disappeared from view and there was a rustle from behind the cupboard door.

Eve then appeared with an anxious smile and a heap of ivory-cream material, layered across her arm, that trailed down to the floor. Jill stepped across to help her hold the hanger and then rearrange the material, draping it down to rest on the floor.

It was a dress … a beautiful wedding dress! Just like the one in the shop all those weeks ago. And yet as she looked closer, she recognised it was a slightly simpler design. The material of the bodice looked different but it was just as pretty, and the style of the appliquéd flowers was softer somehow; they appeared to be almost floating on the skirt. But wow. Just wow!

Tears started to fill Rachel’s eyes and she found she couldn’t speak. How had they done this? Was it really for her?

‘Do you like it? Oh gosh, Rach, I really hope you like it. I’m not sure if I got it quite right,’ Eve started gabbling.

Jill stood smiling, holding the dress aloft, taking in her daughter’s reaction.

‘I … I love it. But how? How did you do it?’ Rachel was still incredulous.

‘I made it.’ Eve sounded happy and proud and anxious all at once.

‘Well, love, don’t you think you should try it on?’ prompted Jill.

‘Ah, yes … of course.’

‘I had to guess at the fit,’ added Eve, ‘but we’re pretty similar, and I know your usual dress size. I can always tweak it.’

‘But how did you know the style and everything, when we weren’t allowed to take any photos?’ There had been a big sign in the bridal shop’s changing room about no cameras being allowed.

‘It’s amazing what you can jot down on a napkin,’ explained Jill, with a smile. ‘Followed up with a little research and some pictures off the internet.’

‘Wow,’ Rachel repeated, taking off her jeans and her floral print top.

The dress was now off the hanger and ready for her to step into, with Eve and her mum holding it proudly. Eve’s guesswork was pretty damned good as Rachel slipped it on. The delicate buttons up the back drew to a close just about perfectly.

Rachel looked down at the gorgeous gossamer voile-style skirt that had beautiful handmade flowers appliquéd onto it. There was a shimmer too as little sequins, stitched here and there, caught the light. The bodice was made of what looked to Rachel like an ivory cheesecloth material that fitted in a sleeveless V, revealing just the right amount of cleavage, so very like the design from the shop.

‘You made this?’ It was still hard to believe. ‘It must have taken you ages, Eve. It’s just beautiful.’ Rachel lifted the stunning material of the skirt in awe.

‘It’s just the prototype, by the way. I’ve used a cheaper linen material as the base to get the cut and design right. The tulle top layer, I can re-fix. I wanted to be sure you liked it before I made it up in the satin version.’

‘What do you mean? This isn’t the finished thing? But I love it. I love this material … it looks kind of “boho” and country, and it’s just what I want. Do not change a thing on it, Eve. I forbid you.’

‘You’re sure?’

‘It does look gorgeous on her, I must say, Eve. You’ve made a wonderful job of it,’ said Jill.

‘Well, we can tweak the final fit, but if you’re happy Rach, that’s a whole lot of work you’ve just saved me!’ Eve grinned.

‘Hah, I can put you to work on other things – bunting for the tipis for a start!’

‘Okay, that’s fine by me. I’m just delighted that you like it.’

Rachel took a step forward and took her friend by the hands. ‘It’s perfect, and it means so much more that my very best friend has made it for me. Thank you so much, Eve.’