# XVIII: Derek Lunches explained — The Mystery of the Blue Train

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Derek Kettering encounters Mirelle at the Negresco, where she attempts to reconcile with him, believing he has come into money. He rejects her advances and instead invites Katherine Grey to lunch.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearances

Mirelle pretends to be motivated by love, but her return is clearly tied to Derek's newfound wealth.

### Greed and Materialism

Mirelle's interest in Derek is rekindled by the prospect of his two million, highlighting the theme of greed.

## Character check-ins

### Derek Kettering

Derek is moody and drinks cocktails before being approached by Mirelle. He rejects her and invites Katherine Grey to lunch.

### Mirelle

Mirelle approaches Derek at the Negresco, trying to rekindle their relationship after learning of his potential inheritance.

### Katherine Grey

Katherine arrives at the Negresco and is invited by Derek to have lunch with him.

## Key lines

> Derek Kettering went straight to the Negresco, where he ordered a couple of cocktails and disposed of them rapidly; then he stared moodily out over the dazzling blue sea.

Derek Kettering went directly to the Negresco, quickly downed a couple of cocktails, and then gazed gloomily at the bright blue sea.

_Sets the scene for Derek's restless state of mind._

> So the rats come back, do they? Two million makes a difference—of course it does.

So the rats return when there's money involved—two million changes everything.

_Derek accuses Mirelle of being motivated by his inheritance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se/chapters/xviii-derek-lunches
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se/chapters