Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Are we nearly there yet?’ chimed Jill, just like little Maisy might say.

‘Well, it says there’s only about a mile to go,’ reported Eve, checking the GPS on her phone.

They’d passed the quaint coastal town of Oban and were winding their way through narrow country lanes. The woods became denser around them, a little gloomy in fact. Rachel really hoped they weren’t going to be stuck out in the depths of nowhere like something out of Stephen King’s Misery. Some hen do that’d be!

But, soon enough, the thick pine trees gave way to open countryside again, and the road became dappled with sunlight, the bracken at each side giving the landscape a moorland feel. A red squirrel dashed across the road in front of them before leaping up into an old Scots pine.

‘Ah, look, did you see that? What a cutie,’ Rachel exclaimed. She loved spotting wildlife.

And then, as they rounded a corner, they saw a lake shimmering silver ahead, and a wooden lodge – set back from its shoreline – came into view. Wow, what a stunning setting. Rachel’s fears were swiftly allayed as she pulled up beside the cabin.

‘Oh, what a pretty spot!’ called out Eve. ‘Even if we are miles from humanity.’

The Scottish town of Oban with its small shops, bars and restaurants was actually only five miles away, but out here it felt as if it could be a hundred miles distant. And with all the ups and downs of recent times – losing her precious father, working like a trojan at the family farm, and the pressures of single motherhood – Rachel reflected that this felt like the perfect tonic right now. And with her best friends, gorgeous mum Jill, a heap of brownies, prosecco and a whole load of wedding plans in tow, what could be better?

‘It’s beautiful,’ added Jill with a beaming smile.

‘Come on,’ Rachel leapt out of the truck. ‘Let’s go and explore.’

They climbed the wooden steps up to the balcony. Walking around the lodge, they came to the front deck that overlooked the lake. And yes, there was the fancy hot tub they had seen in the pictures online.

‘Wow, what a place for a prosecco moment!’ Eve pointed at the Jacuzzi with a wide grin. ‘Bubbles in the bubbles.’

‘Oh yes.’

‘Sounds good to me.’

‘A pool with a view.’

And what a view.

It was a warm May day, the sky a deep azure with just the odd puff of cloud. The lake was small yet so pretty, reflecting the blue of the sky. There was a cottage nestled on the far hillside, but no other buildings near to their lodge. Nothing to disturb the view, or the noise of birdsong around them. A grey and white heron stood on one leg, concentrating on the waters beneath him. A pair of mallard ducks paddled happily, whilst a coot busied herself at the reeds on the water’s edge with three little ones swimming beside her. Rachel wondered instinctively about little Maisy and felt a stab of maternal panic. But it would all be fine, she reminded herself. Maisy was settled at school, and she’d enjoy the sleepover at Eve’s house with Amelia tonight, where Ben would be spoiling them with pizza and ice cream. It was time to switch off, Rachel realised.

They wandered back, found the key under the flower pot as instructed, and opened the door on to a gorgeous open-plan living area – all wooden beams, a cosy log fire, a large dining table and chairs, and a characterful kitchen. Perfect. Exploring the cabin with big grins on their faces, they found the four bedrooms: two doubles that overlooked the lake, a twin and a single.

‘You take a double room, Mum. Eve and I will have the other, Kirsty and Hannah can share the twin, and we’ll save the single for Charlotte.’

‘Great. And we get the lake views.’ Jill made a thumbs-up sign.

‘Absolutely.’

‘Me and Rach will be up chatting all night anyhow, knowing us pair,’ said Eve.

‘Right, well let’s go and unload all of Eve’s twenty bags from the boot then, and get our one case each Mum,’ Rachel added wryly.

‘Well, I don’t know about you lot,’ added Jill, ‘but I’m ready for a cuppa. Let’s get unloaded and I’ll get the kettle on.’

‘A cuppa, really? This is a hen do, ladies. Let’s get the prosecco opened!’ Eve grinned.

With a glass of bubbly to hand and swimming costumes on, the girls opened up the French doors and made their way to the inviting hot tub on the deck area. They climbed the three wooden steps, and one by one slipped down into the warm frothing water.

‘Marvellous,’ said Jill, settling back in the bubbles.

‘What a spot,’ added Eve, taking in the view of the lake as a gentle breeze rippled over its waters in tiny silver waves.

‘Ahh, this is what it’s all about,’ Rachel said slumping back, just managing to keep her glass above water level as the bubbles rose over her shoulders. ‘Oops, don’t want to water this stuff down.’

‘Bliss.’ Eve gave a small sigh.

‘Oh, and now we’re finally here with time to think, I’ll need to talk over some of the wedding plans with you lot too,’ said Rachel.

‘Absolutely, that’s what we’re here for, after all.’ Eve smiled warmly.

‘Can you believe it’s only seven weeks to go until the big day?’ Rachel pulled a panicked face. ‘It’s all creeping up so fast. July will be here before we know it.’

‘I know. Time’s flying just now,’ added her mum.

‘And … I’m getting slightly worried that I still haven’t chosen a dress yet,’ confessed Rachel with a sigh. ‘I’ve a feeling I’m going to end up in a white binbag with the arms cut out at this rate.’

Eve and Jill caught each other’s eye.

‘I know it’s not the end of the world,’ Rachel continued, trying to convince herself it didn’t matter that much in the big scheme of things, ‘I’ll find something that’ll do … But that dress I saw back in March has stuck in my mind. Oh well,’ she rallied. ‘I’m glad we’ve spent the money on the tipi that we’ve booked for the wedding day, and we can afford to make a fabulous buffet for everyone to enjoy. Even if the rest of it is on a bit of a shoestring. A dress is just a dress, after all …’ Rachel took a gulp of her rather lovely pear-drops-tasting prosecco. ‘It’ll all work out, I’m sure. And I know I’m really lucky, just getting married to Tom’s going to be pretty damned special, even if I do end up standing at the altar in a bin bag.’

Rachel spotted another look passing between her mum and Eve.

‘What?’ There was definitely something going on between the two of them.

‘Don’t be too despondent about the dress, love,’ soothed Jill.

Her mum and friend raised their eyebrows at each other, Jill giving Eve a nod.

‘It’s just … we might have something in the offing,’ added Eve.

‘You do? Well, that’s great … is there a wedding dress shop in Oban then? Have you booked an appointment?’ She bloody well hoped it had a bargain rail.

‘Hmm, there might be,’ answered Jill, with a twinkle in her eye, not yet giving anything away. She looked at Eve conspiratorially; they were both fighting to hide their smiles.

‘Come on. You can’t leave me hanging like this …’

‘You’ll just have to wait and see,’ concluded Jill, and she clinked glasses with Rachel and Eve with a ‘Cheers.’

Rachel hated being kept in the dark. What did this pair have up their sleeves?

Just as the afternoon sun was starting to fade, Kirsty and Hannah phoned to say they were making good time on their journey.

‘I can’t wait to get there. It sounds amazing. And you say you’ve been in the Jacuzzi already, you lucky things. No children, no night feeds, no nappy changes for three whole days. Woo-hoo!’ Kirsty cheered down the phone line.

‘See you soon,’ shouted Hannah excitedly from the passenger seat. ‘Save us some prosecco, guys.’

‘Ah, we’ve got plenty, don’t you worry,’ called Eve.

An hour later, with the lasagne warming in the oven and Jill’s homemade pudding waiting in the fridge, Rachel sat relaxing on the sofa, settling into the rhythm of the weekend. Just as she thought about closing her eyelids, letting the prosecco carry her into a luxurious nap, a pair of hands were suddenly placed firmly over her eyes.

‘What the …!’

‘Please stand and step this way,’ giggled Eve, drawing Rachel to her feet.

‘You two are definitely up to something. Tell …’ Rachel demanded, affronted and excited at the same time.

‘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.’

They fell into a hug, and then Jill joined in, all three of them with happy tears in their eyes.

‘Right, well I do believe that this calls for a fresh bottle of prosecco to be opened. We can toast the wedding dress,’ pronounced Jill.

‘Hear, hear!’ Eve gave a happy and relieved wink.

They wandered through to the living area. Rachel gave a little twirl, and then stood by the hearth in the middle of the lodge, staring down at her dress as if she was in a dream. She didn’t quite want to take it off yet.

Jill popped the cork and Eve was soon passing her a glass of bubbly. ‘Cheers, hun, you look absolutely stunning in it. Tom is going to be one lucky fella … but then, we knew that anyhow, with or without the dress.’

‘Oh, your dad would be so proud if he could see you now, love.’

For a second or two Rachel stalled. ‘Oh Mum … how are we going to get through a whole wedding day without Dad there?’ Rachel bit down on her lip to stop it quivering. ‘And, who on earth is going to walk me down the aisle?’

Jill had to swallow a tight lump in her throat before she could manage to answer. ‘We’ll be there for you, love, and all your friends. There are so many people to support you.’

‘Ah, but it won’t quite be the same though, will it? And, you can’t all walk me down the aisle, can you?’ Rachel tried her best to raise a small smile, picturing all her friends and family crammed in by the pews. Aw, this wedding was lovely to be planning, but boy did it keep throwing up new curveballs. Grief and loss didn’t just disappear at the happier times, you somehow had to find a way for them to be a part of it.

‘We’ll always be there for you, Rach. And, on the day, I’ll be right behind you, literally,’ added Eve, who was so glad to be maid of honour.

‘Okay, okay … now stop it you two, or you’ll have me blubbing, and we don’t want this dress messed up with tears and getting all soggy now.’ She took a slow breath, before adding, ‘Cheers.’ Rachel raised her glass with a gentle smile to toast her fabulous friend and her very special mum. ‘Thank you. Thank you, both.’

‘Here come the gi-irls!’ Hannah burst in through the front doors of the lodge, followed closely by Kirsty, sporting a huge grin and waggling a bottle of champagne at them. ‘Let’s get this party started, ladies.’

The dress was back in its clothes carrier and was now safely stored in Rachel and Eve’s bedroom wardrobe, hidden from sight.

‘Come in, come on in,’ Rachel said, leaping up with a broad smile to greet her friends. ‘Welcome to our humble abode.’

‘And not so bloody humble,’ commented Kirsty, looking around her.

‘Oh my, this place is amazing!’ Hannah took in the cosy yet spacious log-beamed living room. ‘And what is that delicious smell, hey?’

‘Homemade lasagne, care of Eve here,’ answered Jill.

Eve took a little bow. ‘It’s warming in the oven, nearly ready.’

‘Fantastic. Wow, what a gorgeous place … and we get three whole child-free days to enjoy it. I feel like I’ve been waiting for this for so long.’

‘Me too,’ added Hannah. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I love our little Rosie to bits, but eighteen months down the line of motherhood, you start forgetting what it’s like to be you.’

‘And then there’s the husband who needs looking after too,’ chipped in Kirsty. ‘“Where’s my work socks/last pair of boxers/my favourite white shirt with the grey stripe?”, that kind of stuff. And … my all-time favourite question: “What’s for tea?” As though it’s my sole domain to be chef as well as housework fairy and baby minder.’

‘Hah, don’t mind Kirsty. She’s just getting it off her chest. I think it was a bit tense on the home front when she was trying to get everything packed and ready to go,’ explained Hannah.

‘Well, he’ll know what it’s like while I’m away …’ Kirsty continued her little rant. ‘Callum’s into everything just now. You never stop.’

‘Well then, absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that,’ added Jill. ‘I’m sure he’ll appreciate you all the more when you get back.’

‘Oops, sorry hun,’ Kirsty suddenly stopped. ‘Shouldn’t be moaning on about the other half when it’s your hen do, chick. You’ll be entering the zone of married bliss very soon, honey. Don’t want to put you off or anything … Ah, don’t worry, I do love him really, but bloody hell he can get on my nerves at times.’

‘Well, in all honesty, I can’t wait to get married,’ Rachel said proudly.

‘No wonder, with your gorgeous Tom all lined up.’ Eve grinned.

‘Hey, a couple of years down the line and he’ll be just like the rest of ’em.’ Kirsty winked and then broke into a smile. ‘Wouldn’t be without ’em, mind.’

They all laughed.

‘Right then, I think it’s time I poured you two out some bubbly. Sounds like you need it!’ Rachel grabbed the open bottle from the side. ‘And no more worrying about what’s going on back home. It’s time to enjoy the here and now.’

‘Exactly.’

‘And … what happens at the lodge, stays at the lodge,’ Eve said with a wink, raising her glass.

A few minutes later, with the room alive with chatter, Rachel’s mobile phone buzzed.

‘Hey, Tom.’ She took a few steps towards the French doors and went out to the deck area.

‘Hi, you got there okay … good journey?’ Her lovely fiancé’s voice was warm.

‘Yeah, great thanks, and we managed to find it all right, despite it being out in the sticks.’

‘That’s good.’

Rachel took in the stunning lake view, with the early evening sun glinting gold on the blue-grey of the water. ‘It’s beautiful here. You’d love it … hey, maybe we can do something like this sometime. Just the two of us.’ How wonderful would that be. Romantic walks by the lake, the pair of them snuggled up back at the lodge, the Jacuzzi to themselves …

‘Count me in, it sounds heaven.’

‘So … how’s the farm faring without me and Mum?’

‘Everything’s fine. I’ve just checked on the sheep and cattle – no issues there, so I thought I’d call to let you know so you can relax.’ Tom knew all about farming life; he had one of his own right next door to Primrose Farm, after all. Rachel had known him pretty much her entire life, looking up to the boy-next-door who was ten years older, whizzing around on his quad bike and building dens out of hay bales. She had probably been a bit of a nuisance, she mused, trailing round after him as a kid. And now look at them – engaged. Somehow, a steady friendship had wonderfully morphed into love over the past year. A beautiful, whirlwind journey. Rachel still had to pinch herself at times.

‘Aw, thank you.’ It was great of him to help out; he had enough to do on his own patch. But it was a big relief to know her farm was in safe hands.

‘Anyhow, it was just a quick check-in to see that you got there fine. Now go and have fun with your girlfriends. Have a brilliant time, all of you.’

‘Thank you, we will. And oh, you won’t believe …’ She had almost spilled the beans about the dress – she was so excited about it and overwhelmed with gratitude that Eve had made it for her – but she stopped herself in time. ‘No, it’s okay,’ she told him instead. ‘Just something special the girls have planned for me, but I’ll keep it as a surprise for our big day.’

‘Hmm, sounds intriguing. Can’t wait.’

‘Me neither.’

Their wedding was booked at Kirkton Church for Saturday 4 July, with a big party planned back at the farm afterwards. Less than two months away.

‘Missing you.’ Rachel felt a pang at being away from him.

‘You too. Love you, Rach.’

‘Come on, you two lovebirds, get off the phone,’ interrupted Hannah from the door. ‘Supper’s ready and we’re starving.’

‘Okay, okay,’ Rachel had to smile at her friend’s mock impatience. ‘Gotta go, Tom. Oh, and Tom … I love you too.’

Kirsty gave a wolf-whistle through the open doorway and Eve popped her head out, giving a big thumbs-up. After the tough few years their close friend had gone through, all this hen-do tribe wanted was to see Rachel smiling and happy and looking forward to her big day.

‘Oh my, I can hardly move I’m so full.’ Eve was sitting back in her chair, rubbing her tummy. The group was still gathered around the dinner table.

‘Well, you shouldn’t have had seconds of that tiramisu,’ Rachel grinned.

‘But it was just so delicious. I can’t believe that’s the first time you’ve ever made it, Jill.’

‘Ooh, you must give us the recipe,’ added Hannah. ‘My lot would adore it.’

‘I think we’d better add that one to the Baking Bible, Mum. A new Italian twist to our good old favourites.’ The Baking Bible was the handwritten book of family recipes, started by Grandma Alice, Jill’s own grandmother. It had been gradually added to by friends and family over the generations, with new cakes and puddings still finding their way into that hall of baking fame. It had pride of place on the kitchen shelf at Primrose Farm.

‘Hmm, I think I might just do that when I get back,’ replied Jill with a beam, delighted with its success.

After a quick clear-up of the dishes, Rachel and Eve made a WhatsApp video call to Ben to speak with the girls before their bedtime. Maisy was chattering on, excited to be staying over with Amelia, saying she had loved her cheese and tomato pizza and strawberries with ice cream. They were now watching a movie; Rachel could see them all snuggled together on the sofa.

‘Have a lovely time, Mummy. Miss you.’ Her little girl’s voice and smile were cheerful, reassuring Rachel that all was well.

‘Miss you too, sweetheart, and you have a wonderful time too. And make sure you’re being good for Amelia’s daddy.’

‘Of course, we are …’ She saw Maisy cross her arms and toss her blonde curls indignantly. ‘Right, we need to watch the film now, Mummy.’ Hmm, sometimes that girl was six going on sixteen.

‘Okay … Love you, petal.’

‘Love you, Mummy. Oh, say hello to Grandma too.’

‘Don’t you just love ’em,’ said Eve with a small sigh, adding, ‘Mind you, it is nice to be away from all the demands just for a day or two.’

A very relaxed evening ensued, with the ladies sitting out on the deck, chatting away in the fading evening sunshine. Everyone was enjoying the gorgeous lakeside view, with a glass of Kirsty’s bubbly to hand, cardis and fleeces on to keep the slight Scottish chill at bay.

It had been the perfect start to the hen weekend, Rachel mused, as she tipped herself into the double bed later on, her fabulous friends all there with her, the man of her dreams back home … and the dress of her dreams hanging in the cupboard just metres away. She let out a happy sigh, and whispered a ‘Thanks for everything, Eve’ in the dark, before sleep swiftly caught up with her.

4

‘I thought we were meant to be chilling out with cocktails to hand …’ A slightly frazzled-looking Hannah, hard hat firmly planted on her head, was squeaking down to her fellow hens from the top of the rock face. The climbing harness was wedged up her bum and she was clinging on to the rope for dear life.

‘No worries, there’ll be plenty of time for that later,’ called Eve from below, who’d already managed the descent and was loving the excitement of the adrenalin-buzzing activity.

Jill gave it a go next, pulling a wry smile and a courageous, ‘Here goes’, as she stepped out over the ledge, managing a fifteen-metre drop under the guidance of the abseiling instructor.