97 Cows

[Patti]

Does anyone remember the significance of the discussion about the number of cows to be paid for Mma Makutsi regarding the number 97?

"No," said Mma Ramotswe. And then with the air of one disclosing a scandalous fact. "Ninty-seven."
Mr J. L. B. Matekoni's eys revealed his surprise. But then he remembered, and he began to smile. A wily uncle indeed; one who had absorbed the salient facts of family history.
"Because..."he began.
"Yes," said Mma Ramotswe. "Because"
Then they both laughed."

The number of shoes in her closet in a former book perhaps?

[Farahad]

Mma Makutsi was the first student to get 97% in her secretarial course and is very proud of it.

[Patti]

Of course. Thanks.

[Andrea]

I thought perhaps someone was going to comment on the fact that this thread (or threat?) concerning Mma Makutsi's engagement never comes back into the plot, at least in this installment. I get the distinct, pleasurable feeling that a lot more will have to happen before Mma Makutsi finally gets married. I hope the author won't let us down.