Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. Caroline Roberts

prettiest dainty wooden angels, strung ready to hang on a Christmas tree. Cute soft-toy animals sat in rows – the hedgehog was particularly adorable – with little Santa hats on and festive bow ties. There were mini Christmas jumpers for babies and toddlers; chunky knits adorned with red-breasted robins, red-nosed reindeers, charming snowmen and sparkly snowflakes.

      ‘Eve, this is brilliant. You’re so talented. These must take ages to make,’ Rachel enthused, holding up a felt fox dressed in a fabulous waistcoat with holly patterns on.

      ‘Ah, not that long, really. It’s just the volumes I need to do to keep up with my online orders that takes the time, and I still need to make a load more for a couple of craft fairs I’ve got coming up.’

      ‘Well, the Christmas soft toys would look gorgeous on the shelves of the dressers in the Pantry, and those tree decorations would be great. I just love the angels. I was thinking of getting a Christmas tree up in the barn fairly soon actually, we’re nearly into November after all. Set the scene for the run up to Christmas. What do you think?’

      ‘Oh yes, that’d be lovely. I can just picture it there, with fairy lights twinkling away.’

      ‘So, can you make some extra crafts for us too? Sorry, it sounds like you’re super-busy as it is, but I’m sure we’ll get some sales for you.’

      ‘Of course, and I’ve still got more festive goodies yet to make. There’ll be wooden coasters with Christmas messages on and pretty tealight holders too. I was even thinking of making some fir wreaths with red tartan gingham ribbons nearer to Christmas.’

      ‘Ooh, they sound lovely. Put us down for one of those. I can just picture it hanging so pretty there on the barn door.’

      ‘Aw, thanks. Right then, coffee time. I’ve had enough of all this craft stuff for today. My fingers are aching, and my brain’s gone to mush concentrating on all the small detail.’

      The two friends were soon sitting on stools at the breakfast bar in Eve’s galley kitchen with a cafetière between them, two glass mugs ready to fill, and the plate of warm cookies.

      ‘So, where have you been hiding, Rach? You’ve disappeared, except for the school run, and even then, you always seem to be dashing off.’

      Rachel looked down at her hands and shifted uncomfortably on the stool. ‘Life’s just pretty hectic right now.’

      ‘Yeah, it must be pretty tough, what with the farm and everything to keep going. You have such a full-on life, Rachel, even more so than mine. But, if there’s anything you ever want to chat about, I’m here. You can always talk to me, that’s what friends are for.’

      ‘Ah,’ Rachel sighed, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Should she share how the Pantry was running into difficulties? She didn’t want the local community knowing how slow things were. Sometimes that just encouraged the downward spiral. But this was Eve, and Eve was no gossip. Eve had shared her hopes, fears and dreams from as far back as primary school.

      ‘Well, the Pantry is struggling a bit just now, which is a real worry after all the investment we’ve put in.’

      ‘Oh, that’s tough. I had noticed it’s been a bit quieter of late when I’ve called in. But, you know, maybe it’s just that time of year. My crafts business slowed right down after the summer, but now I’m on the up again with my Christmas pre-orders. I’m sure you’ll pick up soon with the Christmas trade.’

      ‘Maybe. And I know it’s early days and we’re still getting established …’ Rachel paused.

      ‘Well, if there’s anything me and Ben can do to help?’

      ‘Thanks.’

      ‘And I’ll be sure to make you some festive crafts for the Pantry as soon as I can.’

      ‘You’re a star.’

      ‘Well, we can’t have these cookies going to waste.’ Eve passed the plate across. ‘I’ve made some dark chocolate with white choc chunks today.’

      The first bite was amazing. They were crisp on the outside and melted in the middle where the white chocolate chunks delighted the taste buds.

      ‘These are divine.’

      ‘Cheers, hun.’

      ‘I might need this recipe for the Pantry. This is taking cookie making to the next level. Cookies …’ she said slowly, in a daft voice, like the cookie monster from Sesame Street.

      It took them back to both being little girls, when their friendship had first blossomed and life was always a laugh and carefree.

      ‘Ha ha ha, brilliant, and yes, no problem. I’ll jot it down for you.’

      ‘Oh, by the way,’ Rachel said, ‘we are going to go ahead with the Pudding Club idea that Amelia mentioned the other day. I’m hoping it might help turn things around a bit for us.’

      ‘Oh, fab, tell me more.’

      ‘Well, it’ll be a nice thing to do socially, and with it being so quiet lately, we’re thinking it might drum up some more interest for the Pantry. Hang on, I’ve got a flyer here in my pocket. I was trying out some designs on the laptop this morning. What do you think?’ Rachel stood up, unfolding the sheet of paper that she’d put in her jeans back pocket earlier, ready to show to Jill.

      Eve looked over the leaflet. ‘Crumble night, hey.’ She had a daft grin on her face. ‘Now are you sure that’s for the Pudding Club, or is that a night you’re planning with Tom?’ The old joke about ‘comforting’ apple-crumble Tom was still rumbling on.

      ‘Stop it, you!’ Rachel shook her head.

      ‘Hah, what a way to start.’ Eve couldn’t stop chuckling.

      Rachel felt herself blush, then couldn’t help but join in. It felt good to be laughing with an old friend.

      ‘It sounds like it’ll be a great night, this club. I’ll check with Ben,’ Eve continued, once she managed to stop giggling, ‘I’d love to come along. I’ll give Charlotte a ring, see if she can make it too, and we’ll rally some other friends. It sounds like it’ll be fun. That’s going in the diary, Thursday the 7 November, Pudding Club night. Oh, and are you still going ahead with your Bonfire Night at the farm next week? Can I make anything to help out with that?’

      ‘Well, the food’s all in hand. Me and Mum have a few ideas up our sleeves – just keeping it casual. So, if you can bring some small fireworks and a couple of packs of sparklers along, that’d be great. No noisy rockets or screeches, mind, don’t want the animals stressed out, just some garden-type ones.’