The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Arthur is stung by being sidelined in Poirot’s investigation. When Arthur meets Lawrence on the croquet lawn and passes along Poirot’s message, Lawrence seems baffled. At lunch, Poirot pointedly asks Mary Cavendish whether the door to Emily’s room from Cynthia’s room was bolted or locked on the night of the murder. Lawrence interjects, swearing it was bolted.

Poirot goes to question Cynthia, while Arthur takes a nap in the woods behind Styles Court. He wakes to hear John and Mary Cavendish arguing. John accuses Mary of spending too much time with Dr. Bauerstein; in turn, she suggests infidelity on his part. Talking soon after, Arthur and John are soothed by the baseless hope that Dr. Bauerstein could be a suspect in the murder. Secretly, Arthur considers the possibility of Mary as a suspect.

After tea, Cynthia confides in Arthur that she’s no longer sure there’s a place for her in Styles Court. She believes the two brothers—especially Lawrence—dislike her and intend to put her out as soon as possible. In a sudden surge of chivalry, Arthur offers to marry Cynthia in order to give her a home, but Cynthia openly considers the idea silly. Arthur’s feelings are bruised.

In town, Arthur discovers that Dr.