Page 80 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

And the smile that spread across his face was that of pure joy.

‘Yeeeesss!!’ Rachel punched the air, bouncing up off her stool, with Mabel barking at her feet animatedly. Tom then leapt up himself, bundled the two of them up into his strong arms and whirled them around.

42

Rachel arrived back at Primrose Farm half an hour later to find Eve sitting at the kitchen table, settled beside Jill. She had red-rimmed eyes and was nursing a mug of hot chocolate, whilst sporting her ‘Maid of Honour’ dressing gown.

‘You okay?’ Rachel asked.

‘Yeah, not bad.’ Her friend gave a sniff.

‘We’ve had a bit of a heart-to-heart,’ explained Jill.

‘Oh.’

‘Did you find Tom? Are you two okay?’ Eve asked hurriedly, desperate to find out if things were all right for her friend.

‘Yes,’ Rachel couldn’t help the beam that spread across her face. ‘We’re all fine. We have a groom, and there’s a wedding day to look forward to.’

‘Yesss! Ah, thank heavens. I could never have forgiven myself if I’d spoilt everything for you two, as well … It’s okay, your mum knows all about it.’

Jill nodded, ready for the story to unfold further. Time to sit down around the table, for them to share their hurt, guilt, fears, and then to prop each other up with friendship and love.

‘Hot chocolate for you too, pet?’ Jill asked Rachel.

‘Umm, actually, is there any of that prosecco left?’ Tonight, they were meant to be doing their pedicures and manicures with a glass of bubbly and happy chatter. ‘I don’t know about you lot but, after all the emotions of today, I could do with a little bit of fizz.’

Jill found a bottle in the fridge and fetched three glasses. ‘I’m sure a little tipple won’t hurt. But go steady girls, it’s a big day tomorrow.’

‘Don’t want to peak too soon.’ Eve raised a smile. ‘And, yes, we should be celebrating now, not sitting here all sad and blue.’

Jill popped the cork and poured them all some prosecco. ‘Eve, it didn’t come as a surprise what you’ve just told me,’ she admitted. ‘I’d kept it secret up till now, but I do know who saw you. The thing is, I really don’t believe she was the one who started all these rumours.’

Eve and Rachel were all ears.

‘It was Brenda,’ Jill continued, ‘and I know for a fact that she wouldn’t have wanted to hurt you or your family. She told me that she happened to be walking past the gallery that day. She saw you and the artist. But as for who’s spread the gossip since, I honestly don’t know. She told me in private, and I’ve not shared it with a single soul until now.’

‘Oh, I see. Well, however it got out, it doesn’t really matter any more. It was my own stupid fault.’

‘We can all make mistakes, love.’ Jill reached across to touch the back of Eve’s hand affectionately. Eve felt like a second daughter to her after all these years. ‘I’m sure you and Ben will find a way through all this, pet.’

‘I hope so, Jill, with all my heart. But hey, let’s not be maudlin, I’ll just have to face the music afterwards. We have a wedding to prepare for! Rachel, I need to do your nails for you, hun. I’ve brought my box of tricks, so you can choose which shade of varnish you want. Actually no, scrap that idea … let your maid of honour choose. I know your weird and wonderful tastes at times. And, I know the colour palette for the wedding flowers and decorations off by heart. I’ll find you the perfect match for the pretty pinks in your bouquet.’

‘Sounds good to me.’

‘And Jill, we’ll do yours next.’

Eve went upstairs to grab her vanity bag.

‘The poor lass seems devastated. We’ll help her get through this, love, won’t we?’ Jill shook her head, concerned.

‘Of course.’

‘And you, you’re all fine? Sounds as if you and Tom have had some last-minute dramas too. And I’m sorry if I could have prevented all that. I’d heard about Eve from Brenda but I didn’t realise the whole thing had spiralled so badly out of control. Seems like I’m the last to know, eh? Perhaps because I’ve had my head down getting all the baking done for the wedding.’

‘Don’t worry, Mum. But let me fill you in, I wasn’t even sure if there was going to be a wedding a couple of hours ago. Tom had got it into his head that the rumours were about me … and Jake.’

‘You what?’ Jill pulled a shocked face.