Poirot walks down the steps of the train station and hails a taxi. He knows he has just allowed the only woman, besides his mother, to ever call him by his first name to leave the country forever. And for what reason, he thinks, because I am afraid she would eventually get caught. Not really. I'm just plain scared. I've never felt this way about anyone and that frightened me so I let her go. I let my morals get the better of my feelings.

Poirot starts to slowly climb the stairs to his apartment building when he hears a voice behind him. "Hercule!" He would recognize that voice anywhere for the rest of his life. But it couldn't be. He'd watched her get on the train and leave.

Poirot turns around very slowly. "Countess, you are supposed to be on your way to America already."

The Countess turns her eyes down and away from Poirot. "I know I promised that, Hercule, but when the time came to board the boat all I could think of was you. You see, I don't care about the consequences. I'm not leaving my beloved England. It is the land that brought me to you. Je t'aime, Hercule." Countess Vera Rossakoff says as she throws herself into his arms and kisses him gently on the lips.

As first kisses go, Poirot's was more than pleasurable. He tries not to enjoy it, but that proves difficult. "Countess, I cannot allow you to risk yourself for me." Poirot says putting his hand on her shoulder.

"Hercule after what just happened surely you can call me by my first name." Vera says coyly.

"I didn't ask you to kiss me!" Poirot says hotly. He hates being drawn in like this. "Besides, you shouldn't be here! I sent you away to protect you!"

"Then you don't care for me as I do for you." Vera says as she breaks eye contact and blinks back tears. She doesn't want to hear the answer if he doesn't care for her.

"That is simply not true. Je t'aime aussi, mon amour. I just want you to be safe. I couldn't bear it if you were ever caught." Poirot says gently. He quickly glances around the lobby. Heaven forbid anyone should hear him speaking like this. "Maybe we should continue this conversation upstairs." He encourages. The couple head upstairs. In the lift Vera leans her head on Poirot's shoulder which startles him more. "Miss Lemon, will you put tea on for three, please?" Poirot asks as they enter the flat.

"Of course, Mr Poirot." Miss Lemon says coming out of her office. "Are you going to introduce me?"

"Mais oui, Miss Lemon, this is Countess Vera Rossakoff. Vera, this is my secretary, Miss Lemon." Poirot says as he puts his hand gently on Vera's lower back.

"I thought she was going to America today." Miss Lemon says incredulous at Poirot's actions.

"I was supposed to, but when it came time to get on the boat I found I couldn't leave Hercule behind. He's such a dear man." Vera says sweetly.