Adam glanced at Barlow with a wry grin. “If I knew the answer to that riddle, I would be a rich man indeed.”
Barlow laughed. “Some things are unknowable, I’m afraid.”
“Enough,” said Aunt Hester gently. “This woman most desires that the men remain silent so we may hear the rest of the story. As you were saying, Mr. Thistlethwaite.”
“Yes, yes. As I was saying.” He paused. “What was I saying?”
“The riddle,” said Jane sharply. “How did Arthur answer the riddle?”
“Ah! The riddle. Yes. Arthur said that women most desire having their way.”
Adam laughed. “I should have guessed as much. So obvious now.”
Jane glared at him. “Shush. Our scholar is still speaking.”
“Yes,” said Thistlethwaite. “Anyway, the Bad Baron was so impressed with Arthur’s riddle-solving that he amended his bad ways an’ became good. An’ so he lived out his days at Castle Hewen bein’ good. That’s it. That’s all I know about that subject. Do ya want to hear another subject?”
Jane shook her head. “That will not be necessary, Mr. Thistlethwaite. However, you may do us another favor.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. You can take us to Castle Hewen.”
The drunk shook his head. “Cannot.”
“Cannot? Why?”
He cocked his head at her as if she were daft. “B’cause it’s nearly dark. Can’t see the castle in the dark.”
“Good point, sir. Then you can take us there at first light.”
“Cannot.”
“Again, why?”
“I will still be too drunk at first light. Later is better.”
She sighed. “Very well, Mr. Thistlethwaite. Then perhaps you might direct us to the nearest inn.”
The man poked a finger upward. “That I can do. Jus’ step outside, turn right, and walk ten miles to Carlisle.”
“But sir, we just came from Carlisle.”
Thistlethwaite frowned. “Too bad, that. Then perhaps you can do as I do.”
She narrowed her eyes, suspicious of his forthcoming suggestion. “What do you do?”
He swept a hand to encompass the tiny pub. “I sleep here most nights. In my chair. On the floor. Sometimes across a table. It matters not.”
“And the proprietor allows this?”
“He cares not. Watch.” Thistlethwaite cupped his hands to his mouth. “Ho, George. Do ya care if these fine folk sleep on the floor?”
The man behind the bar looked up with a frown, grunted unintelligibly, and went back to cleaning glasses. Thistlethwaite smiled.
“See. He cares not.”
With that, the man leaned his head on the table and began snoring within moments. Jane looked up to find Adam with a wistful smile gracing his features.
