They ordered two teas, a bacon roll and a slice of Rachel’s homemade carrot cake. The couple took up their seats and Rachel overheard them saying how pretty the place looked. She felt a warm sense of achievement.
As she was making the pot of tea, Rachel couldn’t help but wonder how Maisy and Jake were getting on around the farm. She hadn’t seen them since just past eleven o’clock and it was now almost twelve. They weren’t far away, Rachel reassured herself, and even though she was young, Maisy knew the farm and its ‘rules’ well. It was more her emotional wellbeing that Rachel was concerned for. This was a huge thing in Maisy’s life, meeting her dad properly for the first time, and Rachel wanted it to go positively for her.
Rachel pulled herself back to the here and now, and carried over the tea, cake and bacon roll that Jill had made to the ramblers.
‘What a gorgeous place you have here,’ the woman said. ‘We didn’t know it existed. We’ve been here for several holidays over the years.’
‘Well, today’s our official opening day, actually.’
‘Oh wow, lucky for us then. You’ve done a wonderful job. It’s so quaint here. And the food looks delicious. Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome, you enjoy tucking in!’
Frank headed off soon after, with a wave and a smile, saying he’d be back soon and that he’d be sure to tell all his friends about them. After finishing her cake, one of the ramblers got up and started to browse Eve’s crafts on the dresser. She picked up several of the farmyard-themed soft toys, settling on the sheep, and bringing it across to the counter.
‘I’ll take this one, thanks.’
‘That’s great, thank you. My friend makes them locally,’ commented Rachel proudly.
‘Oh really, it’s such a cute toy. She’s so talented, and I’m sure my granddaughter will love him.’
Rachel felt thrilled for her friend and couldn’t wait to tell her.
Much to Rachel’s delight, there followed a small flurry of customers who arrived around noon for some lunch – two ladies from the village, a family on holiday with a toddler and small baby in tow, and Jim the taxi driver called in for a takeaway coffee and a flapjack as he was passing.
Not long afterwards, Maisy’s chatty voice announced her and Jake’s arrival back at the barn, much to Rachel’s relief. Maisy looked quite happy and was bossing her dad around telling him which table to sit at, which made Rachel smile.
‘So guys, how was the farm?’
‘Good, Mummy. Petie came to see us. I gave him some grass and a sheep nut.’
‘Yeah … it was good.’ Jake didn’t sound too enthusiastic.
‘So, are you hungry? What can I get for you?’
‘Ooh, can I have one of Grandma’s cupcakes?’
‘Well, you can if you eat up something healthy first. What do you want, some soup, a sandwich?’
‘Umm, a cheese sandwich. Is Jake having lunch too?’ She seemed happier with that name than Daddy, and Jake didn’t seem to mind.
‘Yes, of course he can. What would you like?’
He scanned the menu and asked for a coffee and a bacon roll.
‘That’s fine. I’ll get that sorted then.’
Rachel was about to head back to the kitchen area as Jake shouted across, ‘Hey, it’s looking good in here, Rach. Very swish. Must have cost a few quid to get all this done. You must be doing all right here.’
The cheeky git. He must have heard about her dad, what they’d all been through. She had to bite her tongue, what with Maisy and the other customers about. But really, if only he knew the truth.
‘Yeah, reckon you must have had a little windfall,’ he continued, sitting back in his chair.
Was that why he was here, because he thought they had money all of a sudden?
Rachel glared at him. How dare he imagine he knew anything at all about their lives?
‘Well, it’s not always as it seems, Jake. And you haven’t been here to see any of it, have you,’ she answered sharply, turning on her heels and marching across to the counter area to get their order ready.
‘All okay?’ Jill spotted her daughter’s bristling body language immediately.
‘It will be when he scuttles back to where he came from,’ Rachel muttered under her breath. It was going to be a difficult week, she could tell. As long as it was only a week. She took out her frustration on the coffee machine, slamming the cup down, and wishing it was more than just beans in that coffee grinder. She let Jill take the order back across to them once it was ready.
Eve popped by that afternoon with Amelia in tow.
‘So, how’s it going, my lovelies?’ Eve asked.
‘Hi, Eve. Yeah, pretty good. We’ve had a steady flow of customers so far and some great feedback. Oh, and we’ve sold one of your soft toys today already – Simon the sheep.’ Oh yes, they all had names.
‘Aw, that’s brilliant, I’m so chuffed. Thanks, and well done to you, too. It looks so great in here. Oh, and before I forget, I’ve found someone to put those chandeliers up.’ Eve knew all about the antics with the electrician, Carl, who wouldn’t be invited back.
‘Oh, fab.’
‘Yes, Susan’s husband, who sometimes does odd jobs for the school, has done a bit of electrical work in his time. He’s happy to come and take a look, and rig them up for a small fee and a chocolate pudding, I believe.’
‘Great. So, do you want a tea or coffee? Any of our pudding delights? Maybe a milkshake for Amelia?’
‘Ooh, yes, please.’ Amelia grinned. ‘Mummy, can I have a chocolate one?’
‘Of course. And I’ll have a tea, do you have a camomile?’
‘Yep, no problem.’
‘Where’s Maisy?’ asked Amelia, looking about for her friend.
‘Oh, she’s just out with her dad for a while.’
They’d headed back out after their lunch.
Eve raised her eyebrows questioningly at that. Rachel just shrugged before adding, ‘They’re here somewhere on the farm, so you might get to see her in a minute, Amelia.’
After Rachel had got their drinks, Jill said she was happy to cover the counter to let Rachel have a few minutes to sit and talk with her friend. By the time Amelia’s milkshake was slurped and the last bits of chocolatey froth scooped up from the bottom of the glass, Maisy had come back in, delighted to see her playmate. So, the girls went running off to play on the slide in the garden. Granny Ruth, who’d been in the barn giving Jill a hand whilst Maisy was with Jake, offered to go and keep an eye on them.
Jake hung around, looking awkward, at the doorway.
‘Just give me a sec, Eve.’ Rachel went across to him.
‘Well, that’s me done for today,’ he stated, as though he’d just completed an onerous task. ‘I’ll be back tomorrow for the beach day with her, like we agreed, yeah?’
‘Okay, yes.’ Try and be positive about this, Rachel told herself. It was just one day, and Maisy did seem to be getting on all right with him.
‘I’ll be over round about ten-thirty.’
‘Fine.’ She was being abrupt and she knew it. The word belied what her heart was telling her.
With that he set off, shouting a quick ‘Bye’ across to Maisy in the garden.
Rachel could see Maisy waving back. A sigh escaped her lips as she turned back around to face the pantry, well aware of the new tension knotting her shoulders.
‘So, how’s it going with Jake and Maisy?’ Eve asked, as Rachel got back to the table.
‘Ah, so, so. They seem to be getting on all right together. But he wants to take her out to the beach tomorrow for the day. I’ve had to say yes, but I know I’ll feel nervous all day. He’s just not used to kids. And they hardly know each other really. But what can I do … he’s her dad. I can’t really stop him from seeing her, can I?’
‘No, I suppose not. He’ll want to give her a nice day out though. I’m sure he’ll try his best to look after her, and if something’s not quite right, she’ll put him right and tell h
im how it’s done, knowing Maisy.’
‘Hah, yes she probably will. She’s already been calling him a learner dad.’
‘Hah, good old Maisy.’
‘It’s hard though, Eve. Letting her go. She’s still so young, and he can be such a prat. I’ll be worried all day. Imagine if it was Amelia …’
‘Yeah, I’d be concerned too. But it’s only fair to let him try, and Maisy’s been asking about him more lately, hasn’t she? Maybe some good will come of it.’
‘I hope so. I just don’t want her upset again. I can’t see him staying around for long though.’
‘No, maybe not. At least if he goes again, she’ll be able to remember him this time.’
‘Remember what a prat he is, you mean.’ Rachel couldn’t help herself. She was trying her best to put on a smile – for Maisy’s sake more than anything – but Jake had a knack for pushing her buttons. Her little girl was the most precious thing in the word and if he even thought about hurting Maisy, unintentionally or otherwise, she’d have him running for the Cheviot Hills.
Chapter 30
DADDY DAYCARE
Maisy was ready, and standing looking out of the farmhouse porch with her unicorn rucksack on at ten-fifteen the next morning. Rachel had made sure she had spare clothes packed, and a swimsuit – she’d make it clear to Jake for paddling up to her knees only – a towel, jelly shoes for the beach, a small juice drink and some mini raisins for a snack.
At twenty-five past ten, Jake arrived in his small, grey van – it was a minor miracle in itself that he was on time. Rachel said hello, then gave him the rundown and the rules and they agreed he’d have Maisy back by 5 p.m. in time for her tea. She also made sure he had her mobile number as well as the farm’s landline in his phone, as well as checking that the number she had for him was current.
She made certain the car seat she’d moved across for Maisy was secure and was sure she could feel Jake’s eyes rolling as she double-checked before letting Maisy clamber in. After strapping her little girl in and ensuring Jake saw how the clips fastened, she kissed her goodbye, and graciously wished them both a lovely day. Then, with a small sigh, she stood back.
‘We’ll be fine, won’t we, Maiz? We’re going to have a great time at the beach,’ Jake said. ‘See you later then.’
‘Bye.’ Rachel felt her throat thicken.
‘Bye, Mummy.’ Maisy was waving. She managed to look both excited and slightly anxious all at once. She’d only ever been away before to Eve’s house or to school. It felt weird letting her go. So many everyday things could go wrong.
Being a mum came with a million worries and a million joys, and sometimes you just had to learn to let go. It still didn’t make it easy though.
‘Look after her,’ she whispered as she watched them set off.
She saw the van get smaller as it headed away down the farm track. As she turned, she found that Jill was stood behind her.
‘All right, love?’ Her mum placed an understanding hand on Rachel’s shoulder.
‘Yeah, I think so. I need a coffee.’ Or maybe a stiff gin might just do the trick, but perhaps not at this hour. It was only ten-thirty and there was a whole day ahead. It was going to be one long one, she was sure.
‘Come on then, love. Let’s make a quick coffee and get ready for opening up the Pantry.’ Jill diverted her, and they wandered across to the barn, where they opened up for their second day of trading.
It still felt a bit surreal unlocking the wooden barn door, turning on all the lights and putting their chalkboard sign outside. She hoped there’d be a few more customers in today. It had been steady yesterday, which gave them a chance to find their feet without a big rush, but it was already the school summer holidays and she’d hoped for a good start. They’d put lots of flyers out around the village, set up a Facebook page for the Pantry, and they’d featured in a great article by Amanda in today’s local newspaper. It was hard to judge how many cakes and bakes to have in. They couldn’t afford to waste too much, yet they wanted to have enough filling the counter to tempt people.
Rachel started by making them two strong coffees. It was early days and she was just being impatient, she scolded herself. Jill set out fresh scones and a marshmallow-filled rocky road traybake she’d made earlier that morning. And, if it was a steady start to their business this week, at least the traditional baked puddings had a nice long refrigerator life which would certainly help matters. Jill’s first ‘Pudding of the Week’ was a delightful summer pudding served with local thick cream – a real summer favourite in the Primrose Farm household. She’d made lots of individual pots last night, which could be kept and turned out as required, with the rich-red fruity juices spilling into the pudding bowl – delicious. Rachel might just have to sample one later, teamed with a cup of fragrant Earl Grey tea.
Earl Grey, she had learned, had links with this very area – oh yes, Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey’s family home was Howick Hall on the Northumberland coast. He was Prime Minister back in the 1830s and loved this blend of tea flavoured with bergamot. Rachel had done some googling the other evening after thinking the name sounded vaguely familiar, and was going to add a historical note to their menu – a nice touch of culture for the customers!
She and Jill sat for a minute or two at one of the tables sipping their coffee.
‘Ready for another day in pudding paradise?’ Mum asked, trying to lift her spirits. She knew today wouldn’t be easy for Rachel with Maisy away.
‘I think so. It does look really good in here, doesn’t it? And you’ve done so well baking all these amazing goodies.’
‘Oh, I love doing the baking, I really do. It makes me feel like I’m Mary Berry every morning. And then, with the Pudding Pantry here in the barn, thinking about how far we’ve come, and when people come in and say such lovely things … Well, I just can’t believe the journey we’re going on, love.’ Her voice trailed with a hint of a sigh.
‘Yes, it’s great, isn’t it. Let’s hope there’s lots more people in today to sample your pudding delights.’ Rachel was still anxious to get more trade.
‘Oh yes, fingers crossed.’
‘Come on then, let’s get to work.’ Rachel took a big sip of coffee. ‘I’ll pop down on the quad and put the board out by the gate.’ They’d taken the large chalkboard advertising the Pudding Pantry in last night, in case of rain or dew smudging all the writing. Eve had been commissioned to complete a wooden sign for the farm entrance for them, but they’d all been so busy lately. Eve had shown her some ideas which looked fab, in a similar style to the sign she’d done for them above the barn door. She’d even drawn up some images for a Pudding Pantry logo, which was all very exciting.
Back at the farmyard, with the chalkboard now out touting for business at the end of the lane, Rachel began watering the two flower pots that stood on either side of the barn door. She’d put them out for the launch day, filling them with a mix of colourful petunias and deep blue lobelia. There were also two hanging baskets trailing a burst of pinks and mauves. They looked jolly and welcoming.
Rachel then remembered that Mum had an old, slightly rusty bicycle that she never used any more – maybe she could fill the pannier basket with compost and buy a few more brightly coloured, summer plants and leave it down by the entrance gate? That might help to catch potential customers’ eyes too. They could even have one of Eve’s wooden plaques on the side with an arrow saying, ‘This way to The Pudding Pantry’. Hmm, she was full of good ideas today – which was at least keeping her mind off other matters. How was Maisy getting on? Where were they now?
The first customer of the day was the postman once again, who stopped for another takeaway coffee and a cheese-and-chive scone. Rachel said today’s snack would be on the house, and asked Trevor if he might just spread the word for them on his rounds.
Jan and Maureen, two friends of Mum’s, came in for coffee and cake, and then they had a family of five call in who were on holiday and ordered a chocolate pud,
a syrup sponge with custard, a caramel brownie (a new twist on Jill’s traditional version), and a shortbread, along with teas and milkshakes. They were all settled happily for a while, and then the children went to check out Eve’s toys. She hoped she might get another sale for her.
Just after eleven, Tom appeared. ‘Morning. So, how’s it going, ladies?’ He gave them a gorgeous smile.
‘Not too bad, I keep having to remind myself it’s early days, and there have been a few more customers in the last hour,’ Rachel replied.
‘Well, I’m here for my bacon roll and a coffee, please. It’s been a busy morning and I’m ready for a break. This saves me having to go back and make it for myself. And then, I might just have to have one of your amazing sticky toffee puddings to take away too.’
‘Coming right up,’ Jill smiled, taking some bacon from the fridge, ready to put on the griddle.
‘Where’s your little helper this morning?’ he asked Rachel.
‘Maisy?’
‘The one and only.’
‘Off with her dad for the day.’
‘Ah, right.’
‘First time. Can’t help wondering how she’s getting on.’
‘Yeah, that’ll be a bit tricky for you … and for her, I bet.’ He seemed understanding of the unusual situation.
‘It is a bit, but I’m sure she’ll be fine.’ Rachel was trying to stay positive. They were one hour down already. Only six to go … ‘Much on at the farm, Tom?’ She changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on Maisy’s absence too much.
‘Yep, got the joys of rounding up and worming the sheep today. I think we’ll be starting harvesting pretty soon too, maybe early August. My wheat crop’s nearly ready.’ Tom had arable land as well as keeping cattle and sheep. He had a larger farm than Rachel and Jill’s, and his fields went further into the flatter part of the valley, and those acres were more suited for growing crops than the land at Primrose Farm. So he had plenty on at this time of year.
‘There you go, Tom.’ Jill placed the completed order on the counter. ‘One coffee and a bacon roll.’
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