On her walk the following day, Audrey again sat on the oak stump. As the girl approached from the north, her expression was grim. Audrey hoped she had not been accosted at the market.
When the girl was close, Audrey stood and waved. “Hello!”
The girl continued walking until she was directly across the canal. “I don’t care beans if you ever come to the village again!” She reached into her cart, yanked out a large carrot and flung it at Audrey. It grazed the top of her head as she ducked. The girl’s next carrot sailed toward Audrey’s face, but she raised the portfolio to deflect it. The girl finished by throwing the rest of the bunch in Audrey’s direction. The carrots fell into the canal as the girl continued on her way.
That evening Audrey sat with her father and explained what had happened. Surely he could explain the girl’s odd behavior.
Hiram smiled and shook his head. “So, this girl said she would be walking alone in the village?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure when. Father, do you ever get so nervous in front of a judge that you can’t think straight?”
“Not for a very long time.” Hiram leaned forward and spoke softly. “Audrey, I need to ask you something. Do you have feelings for this girl that come from here?” He pressed both his palms against his chest.
Audrey nodded.
“Then I have some advice that may help you,” Hiram continued. “Mr. Prinzing isn’t the only wise merchant in the village. Years ago your mother and I had a horse reshod by Mr. Bonetti, the blacksmith. He had just learned an American expression: ‘Strike while the iron’s hot.’ He loved to say this. Laughed every time. So, if you ever have a desire in your heart that can be fulfilled only if you act, think of Mr. Bonetti.”
“Father, will I always learn the hard way?”
“Yes, but each time you’ll get a little more of the hardship behind you.”
For the next week, Audrey and the girl passed each other without a word. She imagined ways she and the girl might become friendly again. Then, as Audrey walked toward the village on a Friday, the girl came to a stop directly across the canal. Remembering her father’s advice, Audrey called out, “I was hoping we could talk again.” The girl stared expressionless.