# Katherine Makes a Friend explained — The Mystery of the Blue Train

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

## What happens

Katherine and Lenox develop a friendship on the terrace of the Villa Marguerite, discussing the Kettering case and Derek's character. Katherine receives a phone call from Hercule Poirot, who arranges a meeting with Rufus Van Aldin. Poirot picks her up and they discuss the case, including the Comte de la Roche's alibi. At Van Aldin's suite, Katherine recounts her conversation with Ruth Kettering before the murder, and Van Aldin questions her about Ruth's possible change of plans.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearances

Katherine and Lenox discuss Derek's public persona versus his private character; Poirot and Van Aldin probe the truth behind Ruth's final decisions and the Count's alibi.

### Class and Social Mobility

Katherine, a middle-class woman, is exploited by Lady Tamplin for her connection to the wealthy Kettering case, and is courted by both a millionaire and a secretary.

## Character check-ins

### Katherine Grey

Sits on the terrace with Lenox, discusses Derek Kettering, receives a phone call from Poirot, meets with Van Aldin to recount her conversation with Ruth.

### Lenox Tamplin

Sits with Katherine on the terrace, offers observations about her mother and Derek, and notes Derek's interest in Katherine.

### Hercule Poirot

Calls Katherine to arrange a meeting with Van Aldin, picks her up in an auto, discusses the case and the Comte de la Roche's alibi.

### Rufus Van Aldin

Meets with Katherine to hear her account of Ruth's last conversation; questions her about Ruth's possible change of plans.

### Major Knighton

Present at Van Aldin's suite, introduces Katherine, and later admits to being distracted by her.

### Derek Kettering

Discussed by Katherine and Lenox; Katherine recalls his remarks about his wife's death and his attractiveness.

## Key lines

> Not used to exploitation, are you? You have a lot to learn, Katherine.

Lenox tells Katherine that she is naive about being used by others for social gain.

_Lenox comments on Katherine's discomfort with Lady Tamplin's exploitation of her connection to the murder case._

> He spoke of his wife's death. He said he would not pretend that it had been anything but a bit of most marvellous luck for him.

Katherine reports that Derek openly admitted his wife's death was fortunate for him.

_Katherine shares Derek's candid and shocking statement about his wife's murder._

> I made you the promise that we should study it together. And me, I always keep my promises.

Poirot reminds Katherine that he promised to investigate the case with her and assures her he keeps his word.

_Poirot reaffirms his commitment to involving Katherine in the detective work._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_the_blue_train_se/chapters