Free More Than Words by Judith Miller

back at me. His look of confusion faded to sudden disbelief. “You are in love with a Gypsy?”

CHAPTER 7

    During the two weeks since the Gypsies visited our store, I’d been writing in my journal to relieve my frustrations. There was a page and a half devoted to Conrad and his inability to understand what had occurred that day. How he could have ever thought I’d be in love with a Gypsy—much less one I’d met for the first time that very day—still baffled me. It had taken another page to expound upon my frustration when he’d been unable to understand why I hadn’t sent for his assistance the minute the Gypsies arrived. Did he truly think I could leave them alone in the store while I dashed to the barbershop? Was I to leave Oma alone with Zurca? Granted, I could have sent Stefan when he finally returned home from school, but my mind wasn’t focused upon seeking his help. Instead, I’d been shocked to learn that my brother had been visiting the Gypsy camp daily. I was more concerned about Stefan’s miscreant behavior than in seeking help at the barbershop.
    Many days later, after several discussions, Conrad admitted much of his anger had been fired by jealousy. A fact he was slow to admit, but one that left me feeling both embarrassed and treasured. From that point on we pushed aside any annoyance or disappointment with each other. And the fact that the Gypsies hadn’t reappeared made it easier to forget the entire incident.
    Stefan admitted his wrongdoing, and I agreed to keep his secret. Once again, he promised he wouldn’t go to the Gypsy camp, and since he’d been coming home directly after school each day, I was confident he’d been good to his word.
    I finished the ledgers and pulled out my journal. Thoughts for a poem had come to mind as I drifted off to sleep the night before, and I wanted to get them on paper this morning to see where they would lead. I’d written only a few lines when the front door opened. Expecting to see one of the neighbors needing a spool of thread or a packet of needles, I didn’t immediately look up from my writing. Not until the sound of heavy footfalls drew near did I venture a glance.
    My breath caught in my throat. “Mr. Finley. What a surprise. I didn’t think you’d return this soon.”
    He scratched his forehead as though the comment had confused him. “Truly? Then I’m pleased I could surprise you.” His eyes twinkled with amusement. “I’ve checked in to the hotel, and I’m ready to learn all you can teach me about your fine community.”
    I closed my journal and slipped it beneath the counter. “I think any instruction will be given by one of the elders, Mr. Finley. You can go to the barn and check with Brother Heinrich Denton. He’s an elder and can answer your questions, if he’s not too busy at the moment.” I met Mr. Finley’s intense gaze and immediately looked away. “Have you met Brother Heinrich? He’s tall and somewhat sharp-featured.”
    “A beak of a nose, pronounced cheekbones, a thatch of unruly dark hair, right?”
    Mr. Finley had rightfully described Brother Heinrich, but I hesitated to agree with such an unkind depiction of the kindhearted farm Baas . “He does have dark hair and high cheekbones. Were you at the barn earlier today?”
    “No, but I rented a carriage from him last time I visited.” He twirled the brim of his straw hat between his fingers. “Seemed nice enough, but I believe I’d rather wait until your father returns. Is that a problem?”
    I shook my head. “No, of course not. You’re welcome to wait here. There’s a bench back by the shoes if you’d care to sit down.”
    He leaned his elbows on the counter and rested his chin in one palm. “I’d rather just stand here and stare at your beautiful face.”
    I looked away, surprised by his boldness. “We do not speak in such a manner, Mr. Finley.”
    He chuckled. “You see? I knew you’d be willing to teach me. You just needed a place to begin. Why