Falling in Love

by elsiecarson

For once it's not Hastings who's falling in love, but Poirot, with the elegant Countess Rossakoff who decides not to sail to America. She comes looking for Poirot and this is the result: a deliriously happy Poirot and a less than thrilled Miss Lemon.

4. You Must Stay Here!

"Where are you going to stay, Countess?" Hastings asks as he pours everyone another cup of tea.

"I haven't really decided yet. I made a snap decision to not get on the boat and I haven't given anything else very much thought." Vera says as she sips her tea.

"Oh, my darling, you mustn't fuss about that. You must stay here. There's a beautiful guest room in this apartment." Poirot says squeezing Vera's hand.

Miss Lemon cringes as she hears Poirot speak in the next room. Now I have to see that woman every day, she thinks.

"Oh, Hercule, I can't ask you to do that! I don't want to be a burden!" Vera cries as she clutches Poirot's arm.

"It wouldn't be a burden! It would be an absolute delight. I couldn't allow you to stay in a hotel after all we've been through together. I couldn't sleep at night knowing you're somewhere that's not here." Poirot says cupping Vera's cheek.