Final answer:
The local girls were likely shocked by Rachel's account due to the unconventional details of Shmuel and Fayge's courtship or the openness in discussing such private matters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The local girls were shocked to hear Rachel's account of Shmuel and Fayge's courtship because it likely deviated from their own experiences and expectations regarding relationships and courtship. The details of Shmuel and Fayge's relationship might have involved atypical circumstances or happened within a unique cultural or religious context that was unfamiliar or surprising to the local girls.
Additionally, the customs of courtship can be deeply rooted in local traditions, and any departure from these traditions, such as a courtship that is influenced by external factors like duty or religious belief, can be startling. The reaction of surprise or shock could also stem from hearing private details being discussed openly or in a gossip-like manner, which can sometimes be frowned upon in certain communities.