Page 20 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
He played his hand too early,Anne thought.If there is one thing I have learned about the Duke, it's one empty glass before conversation.
Then, surprising her, the Duke continued to say, "Then again, I do believe I heard an interesting riddle from a landholding I visited as I was traveling. In fact, it was between my driver and a footman from the home we were departing. If I remember correctly from what I overheard, it was something like:One has a head without an eye. The other has an eye without a head. When all is said, half the answer hangs upon a thread.I believe it was that or something similar."
Charles looked confused and began repeating the lines to himself, but Jeremy perked.
"Ahh, you pose an excellent riddle," he said, clapping his hands and pointing at the Duke before portioning his plate.
"I don't know that you've told it right," said Charles. "I can't think of anything that might be the answer."
"Then, it's a good riddle," replied Jeremy. "The best riddles take a moment of thought."
"Or being a woman, a tailor, or familiar with Christina Rosetti," Anne observed, a smile forming on her lips.
"You believe you have the answer?" Noah asked. "Mind you, there are two."
"I know that I do," she replied. "You speak of a pin, which has a head, and a needle, which has no head but an eye which you thread."
Charles considered his sister's answer and began to laugh loudly when he grasped the connection. Grandfather laughed heartily as well.
"Clever, Miss Drowton," Noah said, smiling directly at Anne as he took another sip of his wine.
Anne could feel herself blush and could hardly muster the words, "Thank you."
Fortunately, riding the coattails of success at his ice breaker, the Baron was ready with a riddle of his own for the Duke.
"I have one for you," he said, rubbing his hands together. "Who has killed the greatest number of chickens?"
Noah smiled and looked at the older gentlemen for a moment.
Then, realizing he was not going to say anything further, he asked, "That's the entire riddle? I don't believe there is any hint or context to assist me in a quip so short."
"For a man as learned and well-read as I believe you are, I do not think there needs to be," Jeremy said.
Noah smiled at the challenge and replied, "Very well, then. Let me think. ‘Who has killed the most chickens?'"
Charles repeated, "Who has killed the most chickens?"
"Yes," replied Grandfather, looking from one man to the other.
"Surely it's a farmer or butcher," Charles observed. "Is it a specific one? Do I have to know him by name?"
"It is not a farmer or butcher, but to know the answer, you will have to know this man by name," Jeremy replied. "Although, I believe you found this particular playwright's work less than captivating when you were young."
"A playwright?" said Noah. "There were no hints in the riddle, but you have given many in discourse. Let's put them together. A learned man who is well read will know this playwright. We will know who killed the chickens by name."
"I cannot think of anyone I have read who references killing chickens," Anne said thoughtfully, enjoying her grandfather's game.
"Neither can I," replied the Duke. "However, I do recall in Hamlet that Old Hamlet stated Claudius committed murder most foul. F-o-w-l, fowl refers to chickens. I believe therein lies our answer."
"Indeed, it does, Your Grace. Very good," Jeremy said brightly.
"Very good to remember such boring literature," Charles huffed. "Shakespeare was always so dreary. I prefer things likeGulliver's TravelsandOne Thousand and One Nights."
"Those are quite good as well," Noah agreed. "But, while they tell a good story and even teach valuable lessons about people and society, they do not convey the same depth of emotion about the human experience."
The Drowtons were all silent for a moment. It was unexpected to hear the practical minded Duke express preference for written works that spoke to his less rational sensibilities.
Anne spoke first saying, "No, they do not. Your Grace, may I ask, what would be some of your favorite works?"
