‘Ah, just that Dad stopped and talked to him, admitting the farm was under pressure. Tom said that he seemed a bit down but that Dad didn’t want to “elaborate”. Yes, that was the word. Granny, to think he might have been able to help him … to stop him.’
‘Oh, Rachel lass, haven’t we all been thinking that these past two years? Looking back on conversations and gestures, trying to see the signs, and how we might have changed things. But your dad was a deep soul, even as a little boy. Would Tom have known there was more to it? I don’t think so. Your dad would have kept it all very close to his chest, even if he did admit things on the farm weren’t so great. That dark place he was in was very private, very deep and closely guarded. It’s not your fault nor Tom’s, nor your mum’s, nor mine. It was an illness.’
Rachel let out a long, slow sigh, words eluding her just now.
‘Now then, your mum tells me there’s been a bit of courting going on with you and young Tom?’
‘There’s no secrets around here, is there, Granny.’ Rachel managed a wry smile. ‘Well, we were getting friendlier, but it feels so different now, knowing this …’
‘He’s a good man, Rachel. He’s kind and he cares for you, anyone can see that. Don’t let this sour it all. Think about it, pet. Is it really Tom who’s hurt you in all this, or is it more the feelings that have been stoked – the harsh realisation that none of us could have done anything about it?’
‘I don’t know, Granny. I really don’t know.’ Rachel spooned some soft meringue into her mouth. She really needed comfort food right now.
‘Well, if it’s love, Rachel, don’t you let it go to waste, lass. That’s the last thing your dad would have wished for. He just wanted you to be happy.’
Chapter 38
A PUDDING STALL
The first ever Pudding Pantry stall was ready to roll in the big white food marquee of the Kirkton Country Show. Rachel had had plenty of other things to focus on in the days after seeing Granny Ruth, and she was more than happy to let the pressure of the show distract her.
Their stall was wedged in between ‘The Porkie Pie Man’ and ‘The Chocolate Shop by the Sea’ stand – the chocolates there looked divine, and that stall was so pretty. The other stallholders throughout the tent seemed really friendly, and were selling the most delicious provisions: local cheeses, ice creams, cakes, honey, jams, chutneys, sausages, and more.
Emma, the chocolate stall lady, was lovely. It was her first year there too, she’d said, coming back to the stall with steaming cups of coffee for Rachel and Jill. She also admitted to feeling a little nervous, not knowing quite what to expect.
As well as hoping to have a good day of pudding sales, Rachel and Jill really hoped to raise visibility for the Pudding Pantry, letting both local people plus those from the wider area know where to find them. Rachel had a batch of professional-looking flyers that she’d created herself, ready to distribute around the show.
They had a Pudding Pantry sign strung up behind them – a new portable wooden plaque that Eve had made and hand-painted especially – and a mini blackboard that Rachel had carefully chalked up with a price list of all the puddings and bakes for sale. There was a table-top fridge (borrowed from the lovely Brenda at the Deli) with the chilled puddings in, set upon a green checked tablecloth, with more puddings stored in cool boxes below the table to top up from. Jill had also made a selection of traybakes – Malteser-flavour and rocky road being the most mouth-watering – along with chocolate brownies and a variety of cupcakes.
They hadn’t wanted to lose custom back at the Pudding Pantry on the farm either with it being the August bank holiday weekend, so they’d decided that Rachel would head back with Maisy for the morning shift, once the stall was set up. Eve, who had her own stall in the craft tent, would cover an hour over the lunchtime for Jill and Rachel to swap over, with Ben assuring he’d give her a hand to cover her own stall.
Jill and Rachel had been baking for days now, putting in lots of early mornings and late nights. The Country Show event was very much trial and error but they were feeling positive. They still needed a big boost and were willing to try anything – the Pudding Pantry had brought in a nice steady income so far, but not quite a bank-balance altering flow.
The show officially opened to the public at 11 a.m., and before they set off back to the farm for the Pantry morning shift, Rachel had a chance to take Maisy around the various tents. The Kirkton Country Show was a fabulous end-of-summer event that had been held for over one hundred years. Traditionally, the farmers had gathered to show their finest animals, their tractor skills, sheepdog trials, with the women of the WI active with baking, flower arranging displays and more. As they weaved through the various stalls, it felt good to know that they were a small part of a bigger history – the show was a huge source of pride in the local area.
Baking was still a large part of the proceedings today. Rachel had eventually convinced Jill to enter her sticky toffee pudding into the ‘Best Baked Pudding’ category. She had been hesitant to put herself forward, in case her pudding didn’t even get a mention in the top three, but Rachel was sure it would get a place. After all, Jill had been making the best ever puddings for years. She could see it now: ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Prize-Winning Puddings’ on the Pudding Pantry counter. But she was careful not to share her hopes with her mum, not wanting to add any further pressure.
Jill had also persuaded Rachel to enter her carrot cake in the ‘Cake Made with Any Vegetable’ category. Okay, so it hadn’t gone down too well with the abominable Vanessa P-P at the launch party, but then not a lot did. This prize was judged by members of the show committee, and it was Rachel’s own small chance to shine. Jill ensured she gave her a tip or two when she made the cake yesterday back in the farmhouse kitchen. And, as they say, the proof of the pudding …
As Rachel and Maisy passed the horticultural and industrial tent where the bakes would be judged, the flap doors were closed with a small sign that read ‘Tent Closed. Judging in Progress’. Rachel’s heart gave a little anxious skip. How would she and Jill have done? Who would be claiming the red, heart-brimming, first prize rosettes?
Moving on past this big marquee, there were coffee cabins, fish and chip stalls, ice-cream vans, tractors and quads for sale, and all kinds of new, shiny and impressive agricultural machinery. They were headed for the craft tent, where Eve was running her stall. They eventually spotted it, over near the fair rides. Rachel promised Maisy a go on the ‘Tea Cups’ later on when they were back that afternoon.
It felt like they were entering an Aladdin’s cave of arts and crafts in this marquee, with jewellery, woodwork, paintings, photography, and ooh, there was Eve’s stall all set out beautifully – with her trademark soft toys, plaques, cards, knits and hearts and stars.
‘Wow – this looks amazing, Eve. You must have spent hours and hours making this lot, for sure.’
‘Yeah, there’ve been some late nights for me and sore fingers with all the stitching and knitting, but I’m pleased with it all. Let’s just hope it sells.’
‘Well, I hope it goes really well for you today, hun.’
‘And for you, too. How’s it going over in the food tent?’
‘Great, we’ve got Grandma Jill all set up, haven’t we, Maisy? Just hard to know what to expect customer-wise.’
‘Yes, last year I did pretty well, which is why I’m back, but you never quite know. And it costs a fair bit to get a stand, so you have to cover that much at least.’
‘Well, good luck!’
‘Yes, you too. Let’s hope they all love puddings, soft toys and crafts. And I’m still fine to cover at lunchtime for you. I’ve got my mobile on me if you need anything else too. Oh and yes, once Ben’s free this afternoon he said he’s happy to take Amelia and Maisy around the show for a while.’
‘My daddy’s coming too,’ Maisy piped up. She hadn’t forgotten the promise that Jake had made on their last phone call.
Yes, Jake had finally c
alled back a week ago now. He and Maisy had had a five-minute chat with Maisy telling him excitedly all about the show. He was meant to be coming up for the whole bank holiday weekend, but with Saturday and Sunday already having whizzed by, well, Rachel was doubtful to say the least. They’d heard nothing more from him since, and Rachel’s texts had gone unanswered.
‘Oh, well that’s lovely, Maisy,’ Eve said, trying to sound upbeat. She looked at Rachel questioningly though, sharing her friend’s doubts.
Rachel pulled a face, silently mouthing, ‘Not heard from him since,’ whilst shaking her head in frustration.
‘Right, well then,’ she continued out loud. ‘We’d better get back to Grandma at the stall, and then head home where you can be my top Pudding Pantry waitress this morning. Say goodbye to Eve.’
‘By-ee,’ Maisy said, with a cheerful wave.
‘See you later.’
Chapter 39
BEST IN SHOW
Back at the food tent there was a building sense of expectation amongst the stallholders, with the gates due to open in half an hour. Jill was ready with her pinafore on and a broad smile in place, stood proudly behind their stand.
‘Best of luck, Mum. Call if you need anything.’
‘Will do, thanks, love. And, I’ll nip back to the farm as soon as Eve comes to take over. Jan’s all ready to give me a lift. Oh, any news from Jake, yet?’ Mum lowered her voice. Maisy was over at the chocolate shop stand chatting away with Emma.
‘No … he bloody well promised her, Mum. I’ll be so damned cross with him if he doesn’t turn up today.’ Maisy still lived in hope, hanging onto Jake’s every word like it was precious. He hadn’t been back to see her since their opening week in mid-July, and it was now the end of August.
‘Well, there’ll be lots to entertain her today, so let’s hope she’s not too disappointed if he doesn’t show.’
He might just turn up out of the blue, or he might have found something far more interesting to do this weekend than see his little girl, like going after a new woman or watching a motorbike rally. Dipping in and out of her life when it suited him was no way of being a dad, and not what Maisy needed at all. Up until the last, Rachel’s own dad had always been there for her. Well, there was a slim chance that Jake might yet turn up and make Maisy’s day, but Rachel wasn’t holding out a lot of hope for that. A quick glance at her watch told Rachel it was nearly ten-thirty. It was time for her and Maisy to whizz back to the farm.
The rest of the morning back at the Pudding Pantry was steady but not overly busy; no doubt some of their usual customers would be at the show. Maisy kept herself occupied with a colouring book, pencils and a small pack of chocolate buttons, now and again helping to serve. Rachel let her carry a plated slice of cake across to an elderly couple whilst she took the hot drinks.
‘My little helper for the school holidays,’ Rachel explained.
‘You’re doing a grand job.’ The woman smiled. ‘And that cake looks amazing.’
‘My grandma makes them,’ Maisy answered proudly.
‘Well, I wish I could bake like that,’ the lady answered.
The gentleman gave Maisy a friendly wink, adding a cheeky, ‘So do I,’ with a chuckle.
Frank came in for his coffee soon afterwards and ordered a cheese scone. Maisy took the scone across whilst Rachel prepared his drink.
‘Thank you very much. So, little lady, how are you today?’
‘Good, thank you,’ she answered politely, and then proceeded to tell him all about the show, and Grandma being at their pudding stall and the fair rides and farm animals she’d seen there already. Frank slipped her a two-pound coin to spend when she went back that afternoon. Rachel said that he shouldn’t – he’d only be on a small pension for sure – but he insisted. Frank was a regular at the Pantry now; he was a real gent and lovely to chat with, often telling stories of his life in the military.
There was another regular missing again this morning, Rachel realised with some relief. Tom hadn’t called in for his bacon sandwich these last few days, not since their words in the lane. She couldn’t blame him to be honest. It was all so difficult between them. Granny’s words kept echoing in her mind. Had she judged too harshly? She knew she’d upset Tom with her doubts, her anger.
Damn, she should never have let things go so far. Getting romantically involved, as she well knew, came with big risks.
She stared out of the barn window, across the rolling fields towards his farm, and there was an ache inside. She realised she missed him and wondered what might have happened if he hadn’t said anything about her dad. Bugger, it was more than an ache, it was a gaping bloody hole, but life was complicated enough. She had to let those silly romantic notions go. Better to leave well alone. Maybe in a few weeks’ time things would be easier; they could claw back some kind of neighbourly friendship.
‘Excuse me, can I have a refill of coffee?’ It was the gentleman who Maisy had served earlier at the counter. Ooh, she’d been off in a little world of her own there for a moment.
‘Ah yes, of course. No problem.’ She took his cup. ‘I’ll bring it across for you in a moment.’
‘Silly Mummy,’ Maisy muttered. Rachel had to smile.
The morning passed quickly. There was still no news from Jake, no grey van turning up. Maisy hadn’t asked about him again, but Rachel knew she’d still be hoping.
It was just before one o’clock when Jill arrived back at the farm to swap over.
‘How’s it been at the show?’ Rachel asked, curious to find out.
‘Great,’ Jill beamed. ‘It was slowish to start, but then by twelve it was crazy busy. I’ve sold right out of the chocolate puddings and only got two sticky toffees left. You’ll need to take back some more traybakes, brownies and cake slices too. People seem to want something they can eat there and then as well as the puds.’
‘Brilliant, looks like we’re going to be busy then, Maisy. Right, I’ll get the Land Rover loaded up. We don’t want to miss out on any sales at the show.’
‘Maisy, stay close now, darling. I can’t manage to hold your hand.’
The tent was heaving. It was hard to get through the throng of people slowly drifting around the stalls. Rachel raised the boxes of baked goods higher as she pressed on, saying ‘Excuse me’ and ‘Sorry’ as she shifted through the crowd, checking Maisy was still there beside her as she went. The air was warm and it was stuffy in there, with various wafts of food hitting her as she passed different stands: sausages cooking, the ripeness of cheeses, the cocoa richness of sweet chocolate.
They finally made it across to Eve at the Pudding Pantry’s stand at the far side of the marquee.
‘Blimey, it’s sooo busy in here,’ Rachel said, relieved to get there and see that Maisy was still beside her.
‘I know, I haven’t stopped serving this past hour. It’s doing brilliantly though.’
The stall did look rather depleted.
‘And is that everything put out?’
‘Nearly, there’s about four of the marmalade puddings and a couple of ginger ones left in the cool box, that’s all.’
‘Amazing, that’s so great. Good job I’ve brought some more stocks then.’ She rested her cargo on the table top.
They set out the new supplies and also served a couple who were eager to check out the new produce, snapping up a sticky chocolate and two slices of coffee and walnut cake.
‘Right,’ Eve said, ‘I’d better get back to the craft tent now and see how it’s going there.’
‘Yes, of course. Thanks so much for helping out here, you’ve been a godsend – again. How’s this morning been for you?’
‘Steady, I’ve sold a few things, but it’s nothing like how busy it is in here.’
Oh, it would be such a shame if her friend didn’t have a good day of sales too. Rachel knew Eve had been up until midnight finishing more of her toys.
‘Your crafts are just brilliant. I’m sure it’ll pick up. Hang on, have you brought a
ny of your business cards with you?’
‘Ah … yes, there’s some spare ones in my bag.’
‘Right, pass them to me and I’ll pop one in with every sale we do, and I’ll put some on the counter top here next to our flyers.’
‘Aw, thank you. And I’ll take some of your flyers and pop them on my stall too. We may as well help each other out.’
‘Yep. That’s what friends are for.’
‘Good luck, petal,’ said Rachel. ‘Turn up your charm-ometer and go for it!’
‘I’ll try. Oh, and Maisy, Ben says he’ll come and take you and Amelia around the show a bit later when he gets the chance, okay honey?’
‘Okay.’
Maisy sounded a little subdued. Oh crikey, it suddenly dawned on Rachel – there was still no sign of Jake, no text or call – the thoughtless oaf.
‘See you later, then.’
‘Bye, Eve. Best of luck for this afternoon.’
With that, Eve headed off and was soon lost in the snaking surge of customers.
‘Right, Maisy, let’s get to work. Now, you can help me by putting the things people buy in the paper bags, like this. The right way up on the puddings, yeah, so the sticky sauce doesn’t spill, okay?
‘Yes.’
‘Can I have one of these, please, darling?’ A blonde-haired lady leaned towards the counter. ‘A sticky toffee pudding one. Oh, and I’ll take a brownie too.’ And with that they were up and running, mother and daughter working like a well-oiled team.
There was a constant stream of customers for the next hour or so, and the takings looked good in the cash tin. A good day here might just be the turning point for the Pudding Pantry, and knowing the puddings had been so popular gave Rachel a warm feeling of pride. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if their first Kirkton Show was a sell-out?
As a quieter spell hit, Emma from the chocolate stall headed over for a natter. Rachel noted she had the most gorgeous red wavy hair.
‘Wow, looks like you guys have done brilliantly, look at all those empty shelves!’
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