Chapter 9 Summary

Poirot and James walk back to the main house and Poirot asks about who will inherit Mr. Ackroyd's beautiful estate. James realizes that he should have thought to ask such an important question. As they chat, they see Flora walking along in her black dress, her face full of joy. She stops to do a little pirouette. A man comes out from behind a tree. It is Blunt. Flora is startled, but then begins to casually chat with Blunt.

Flora teases Blunt about his age and Blunt turns red with embarrassment. Blunt says he should leave now. He tells Flora that he is a rough fellow and does not belong in high society. Flora asks Blunt to say, and he is happy to hear it. Flora feels comfortable with Blunt and confesses to him that the source of her happiness is the 20, 000 pounds...