Page 66 of Tricks & Treats at The Cosy Cornish Bakery

The flattery had its effect. The arm appeared from underneath the bosom. ‘Well, having Amber’s helped,’ the older woman admitted grudgingly. ‘She’s all right for a young ’un.’

‘She’s really worked out, hasn’t she? I’m so pleased. We’ll probably lose her to the pub over the busy Christmas period but she’s promised to come back to us in the spring.’

Pammy’s eyes narrowed. ‘You closing over the winter, like?’

Chloe put her head onto one side and pretended to consider it. ‘What do you think? You’re the expert. Will we have enough trade to make opening worthwhile?’

‘Don’t know, maid. Locals come in for bread. They likes their regular bloomer.’ Pammy sniffed. ‘Don’t get much in the way of the cake and sandwiches crowd. Few walkers doing the coast path, but they tails off when the weather closes in. Can get some right old winters here. Don’t get cold but the wind’ll knock you off your feet.’

‘I remember. Perhaps then, if you agree, we could go down to opening the café Friday to Saturday in the quiet season. If that’s acceptable to you. And if Amber’s not around, I’ll pitch in to serve and deal with Bolster.’

Pammy looked alarmed. ‘Bolster?’

‘The coffee machine. It’s what Amber’s named it.’

‘Oh that varmint. Don’t know what’s wrong with a good old-fashioned kettle. Always done the job in my day.’

‘I agree, actually,’ Chloe replied, enjoying the look of surprise on the older woman’s face. ‘Much more effective way of boiling water.’

‘Cheaper too.’

‘Can’t argue there. But people demand a wider range of hot drinks these days, you have to admit Amber’s cinnamon spiced lattes have gone down a treat, and a proper coffee machine is the only thing that will make them.’ Chloe glanced at the machine. As if to underline the point Bolster gave out a faint gurgling sound.

‘Just don’t expect me to go anywhere near the bloomin’ thing. And, speaking of opening hours–’

Chloe braced herself.

‘I don’t likes the sound of only opening weekends.’

‘Oh,’ Chloe said, surprised. ‘I thought you’d enjoy some time to yourself.’

‘Can’t deny I would, especially with Strictly getting going. Tapes it all. Don’t miss an episode. But folk rely on me for their daily loaf. Got to keep them happy.’

‘I agree,’ Chloe replied faintly, wondering where this was going.

‘So, I’ll make a suggestion.’

‘Go on.’

‘How abouts we open the caff at weekends when you young ’uns can do all the coffee making malarkey, and I bake the bread every morning as usual in the week but close at eleven when theys all collected their bread.’

‘But that means you having to get up early every day. And in the winter, that’s not going to be much fun.’

‘Used to it, maid.’ Pammy’s chin rose determinedly. ‘I got a standing in this village. People rely on me for my bread. Don’t know what they’d do without me.’

Probably get an online order from the Truro Waitrose, Chloe thought but kept that to herself. There was something else behind Pammy’s insistence that she bake bread daily. ‘If you’re sure it won’t be too much for you, then I think it’s a fantastic idea. And you’ll tell me at once if it doesn’t suit you?’

‘That I will.’ Pammy nodded, sending her chins quivering.

One thing Chloe was sure of, Pammy would always tell her how it was. She put out a hand and rested it on the woman’s arm. ‘And, by the way, you were right about the sourdough. I’ve had several goes and it’s all come out inedible.’

Pammy visibly grew in stature. ‘Well,’ she preened. ‘Don’t like to say I told you so, but I told you so.’ Then she relented. ‘Maybe you can have a bit o’ practise over the winter.’

‘Maybe I can. One more thing, Pammy.’

‘What’s that, then? I got work to get on with, you know.’

‘I really don’t know what this place would be without you, Pammy.’ This time it wasn’t just flattery, it was the truth. ‘I can’t tell you how much you mean to me and to the Pengelly Bakery.’