#Death on The Nile 2022 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kissmyhandcallmedarling · 2 years

Text

heal you

linus windlesham x reader

wordcount: 3.3k

-> you are apart of linnet ridgeway's wedding party, and being invited onto the karnak, you find yourself becoming acquainted with the good dr. windlesham

-> TW - (in second last segment) SH, mention of suicide, discussion of death, blood please dni if this is triggering to you - like always, i am in no way trying to romanticise any of these issues (my dms are always open x)

-> idk about you, but ever since i saw death on the nile, i have been captivated by russell brand's windlesham - i never thought the day would come where i hear that man with a posh london accent, in a pinstripe blazer!! i am very much in love, and i am aware this is pretty niche, but i mostly wrote this for myself anyway

-> also lets just pretend like bouc didn't die, cause that killed me :(

5th July, 1937 - wedding party

The wind rushed through your hair, blowing your pin-curls to and fro. You took a deep breath and allowed the foreign air to fill your lungs to capacity. Simon Doyle drove the speedboat, his wife coddling him fondly. The laughter of tipsy women, the fresh air, the warm sun - it all made you smile.

You sat at the stern of the little vessel, upon a green pillow, your knees crossed in a lady-like manner along the deck. Beside you, was Dr Windlesham, his attention kept by a little white book. You didn't know much about the doctor, just that he was Linnet's fiancé before she broke off the engagement to marry a penniless Mr Doyle instead. You knew not for certain the grounds upon the union between her and the doctor; an economic decision perhaps, for they were both incredibly wealthy? No. For you recognised heartbreak when you saw it...

"There it is!" Ms Van Schuyler squealed.

Simon slowly pulled up to a small jetty, at which a grand steamboat was docked: The Karnak.

Everyone began to disembark, eager to enjoy the festivities hosted by the newlyweds.

"Oh, isn't it truly magestic!" Dr Windlesham remarked, stepping onto the platform with a newfound spring in his step. He held his hand out to you to help you off.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

The guests were greeted with glasses of champagne, much to Ms Otterbourne's delight. The doctor passed one to you politely, as you stood over the balcony admiring the scenery. You were about to strike up a bit of small-talk with him before Linnet clinked a spoon against her glass, grabbing your attention.

"We have the Karnack all to ourselves until Abu Simbel." She announced. "We have a piano tuned, a chef stolen from Shepheards of Cairo, and enough champagne-" Linnet tossed the contents of her glass overboard, "to fill the Nile!"

With a haughty cheer and a riff of jazz, the guests dispersed to conduct their activities; you sat back, observing as Windlesham, Bouc and Simon set up a variation of floor hockey. Staff bustled about, setting up rooms, fluffing pillows, and serving drinks.

"Mademoiselle," Hercule Poirot greeted you. "Forgive me, but I do not believe we have been acquainted."

"Oh, Mr Poirot! Enchanté! Y/n, Y/l/n. I'm a friend of Linnet's. I am truly honoured to meet you."

"Ah! The honour is all mine, mademoiselle. You speak French?"

"Barely. My governess insisted I learn it, but most of that knowledge has since diminished, I must admit."

Your attention was seized as Windlesham caught Bouc's puck under his foot.

"You just moved my puck!" The latter accused.

"Foul shot." Windlesham stood his ground.

"Tsk tsk, monsieur Bouc..." Poirot shook his head. "Right, I am off to read my Dicken's and enjoy a little slice of strawberry gateaux in my cabin. Bon apprès-midi!"

Poirot departed as the gentlemen's squabble continued.

"Bouc, that was a foul shot and you know it. Take it again." Simon instructed, barely noticing his wife's pacing across the deck, a look of apprehension on her face.

"You're a cheat. A swindler." Windlesham spoke of Bouc. "Linnet, you've got cheats onboard!"

She ignored him. Simon followed her, and Bouc straggled away to find his mother, leaving only you and the doctor.

"Care for a shot?" He turned to you, placing his round sunglasses atop his head revealing a pair of dark eyes. The sun was beginning to set, casting a shadow upon your figures.

"I think I shall retire with a glass of rosé. You're welcome to join me."

"That actually sounds superb. Shall we?" He held out his arm, in his deferential manner and the two of you made your way to the dining room.

***

"And by god, look at Germany! The communist revolution was crushed in two days back in '19." Ms Van Schuyler sat with Miss Bowers by the window in the dining hall. "Oh! Miss Y/l/n, Dr Windelsham! Come, have a seat with us!"

You obliged and sat opposite Miss Bowers, your companion opposite hers.

"We were just having a conversation about the communist uprising in Berlin twenty-odd years ago." A waiter approached with glasses of bubbly. "I'd like to hear, what's your opinion on capitalism, Doctor? Humanitarian like you must have a dislike for it surely?"

"Well, I admit I do have a certain distaste for the greed and avarice of these big business moguls; Rockefeller, Morgan, the lot. England still runs under a monarchy, a bureaucratic system, unlike that of yourself coming from America. And what with the depression and all..."

As the sun set to rest, conversation and mingling continued on into the night. You admit this was the most fun you'd had in a long time.

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6th July, 1937, 5:05am, approaching Abu Simbel

The sky bled a gorgeous amber, beams of morning sun hitting your face. The sunrise was incredible. The entire passenger entourage watched the magnificent phenomenon of nature. Linnet was curled up in her husband's arms, her maid Louise by her side observing the sight through a little pair of binoculars.

You sat upon the boat's railing, in front of Miss Bowers; the doctor stood to your right, a china cup in his hand.

"Absolutely captivating." He exclaimed. "You don't get sunrises like these back in London."

"You really don't."

"Remind me to tell you about my travels sometime," he knocked back the dregs of his tea. "I'm far too groggy this time of the morning."

The doctor was indeed looking much more rugged than usual, straight out of bed, still in his sleep clothes. He caught your eye.

"I'd like that."

***

"Come on, we are all going, no stragglers." Linette strode across the main deck, dressed in a flowing skirt and wide-brimmed, stylish sunhat. "You too, darling." She tapped your shoulder as you sat at a table with a cup of tea, immersed in your novel.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Linny." You called after her.

"What's that you're reading?"

"Oh," you didn't even notice the arrival of Dr Windlesham. "Um, Wuthering Heights."

"Ah! Brontë! I do love a good gothic novel."

"Yes, it's my favourite. I'm on my third reading of it, I must admit."

"No shame in it. Reading nurtures the mind."

Simon entered, and beckoned everyone over to board a fleet of small yachts; they were to deliver the passengers to the shore.

"I believe that is our cue to depart." Windlesham held his arm out, which you took graciously.

Soon the group of you were standing on golden banks of sand, gazing upon the monumental structure before your eyes; the temple of Abu Simbel.

"Ramesses II, married to Nefertari, first and favorite of his eight wives." Windlesham began to tell you some background to the temple, reading from his little white book. "On the walls of the queen's burial mastuba, he wrote a poem to her, which is spectacular..."

"Oh, may I see?" You asked.

"Oh, yes." He handed you the book, and you read the poem aloud.

"'My love is like no other. Just by passing she has stolen my heart. She is the one for whom the sun shines.'" You returned it to the doctor. "He was a man in love..."

Ms Van Schuyler scoffed. "He murdered half of Nubia. Great useless blocks of masonry put up to minister the egoism of a despotic, bloated king!" She walked off into the entrance of the tomb, throwing her hands in the air.

"Mm, I really like their hats." Miss Bowers muttered to herself, ignoring her mistress's comment.

You shared a chuckle with the doctor and followed the two women into the chamber, Windlesham pointing sights out to you left, right, and centre.

"You amaze me with your knowledge, sir!"

He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked down at his feet bashfully.

"I say, what university did you attend?"

"Exeter. Studied medicine and landed myself as a physician."

"Did you grow up in London?"

Sand crumbled beneath your feet as you walked beside him, flame torches on the walls illuminating your path.

"I did, yes. I was very lucky. I grew up comfortably, a privilege many children are denied. That's why I wished to become a doctor; to give back, and help those who are less fortunate than myself."

"That's beautiful."

He nodded sincerely. "Anyway, what about you? Did you spend your childhood in London?"

"Well, my mother and I moved there from Oxford when I was seventeen. She suspected I was suffering from melancholia, and thought a change of scenery would do me good. I wanted to be an actress, in the theatre... The move didn't greatly aid my state of mind, but she was trying."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Over time I found my feet, and look at me now-" You spun around with your arms out wide. "Relishing in the sunshine, exploring the great temple of Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses the Great!"

You skipped ahead, footsteps echoing against the great walls of the chamber, and the Doctor forced you to jog to keep up with you.

"Slow down!" He laughed.

"I shall not!"

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7th July, 1937, 7:30 am, the morning of Linnet's death, her body yet to be discovered

You sat at your dresser, applying a rose-scented lotion to your legs, humming to yourself. You threw on a floral robe over your white nightdress and headed out onto the deck. The sun had fully risen, yet the morning still smelled crisp. It was utterly rejuvenating after the chaos of last night, Jackie shooting at Simon and all. You hoped that both parties had since calmed down. Today was going to be much better, you could feel it.

Bouc and Euphemia sat at a little table, enjoying the morning sunshine; they called you over.

"Y/n, come join us!" The young man beckoned. You took a seat and helped yourself to the steaming pot of tea. "We were just having an old chuckle at the good doctor's jogging technique."

You followed Bouc's eye line, and spotted a tiny figure on the bank of the Nile, presumably Dr Windlesham, conducting what appeared to be a morning exercise regime. You couldn't help but giggle when he started kicking his legs straight out before each stride.

"Now, he would be a fine match for a young lady such as yourself. He is albeit, a little your elder, dear, but an exquisite bachelor nonetheless."

"Oh, Mrs Bouc, I highly doubt that. Surely you've seen the way he moons over Linnet as though she's no married woman!" You sighed. "Poor thing. To have one's heart broken so unexpectedly."

You continued to watch the doctor, as he boarded a small yacht and sailed back to the Karnak.

"Indeed. When that stallion of a man Linnet calls her husband came bounding along, she dropped Windlesham without a second thought. But I suppose love works in mysterious ways, doesn't it mother?"

"It does indeed." Euphemia smiled as she took a sip of her tea.

"Morning!" Dr Windlesham hollered down the length of the deck, having just re-boarded the vessel. He jogged toward your party in his grey pants and white knit jumper, ending his practice with a few lunges and stretches.

"Fine morning, isn't it Bouc? Mrs Bouc, Miss Y/l/n?"

You noticed the clicking sound of heels from the floor above you, most likely Louise delivering breakfast to her mistress.

"Very much so, Doctor," Euphemia replied. "Here, have some tea. You'll likely need to quench your thirst after that run."

"Delightful."

"AGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

A high-pitched scream pierced your ears.

"SHE'S DEAD! MADAME DOYLE IS DEAD!"

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8th July, 1937, 11:50pm, aboard the SS Karnak:

Strange how the wind can completely change course within a night. What was supposed to be a celebration of the heavenly union of two souls had become a hellmouth. A vessel of grievers sailing towards the nearest port while their hostess lay lifeless, in cold storage; amongst cuts of beef and legs of lamb. Of course, adding the renowned detective Hercule Poirot into the mix made the remaining passengers feel a little more at ease, albeit anxious as he sleuthed his way to the truth.

Doctor Windlesham stood upon the balcony deck, by his suite. His tie hung loosely around his neck, his glasses resting upon the bridge of his nose. He knew he had nothing to hide; he had loved her too much.

The dry Egyptian air was intoxicating - nearly bitter enough to put whiskey in his grasp to shame. He knocked back the beverage, gazing aimlessly upon the river, the way the water lapped against the boat's great hull.

"Doctor!"

Taken by surprise at the voice, his hand dropped the glass, sending it shattering upon the deck. He turned to see Ms Van Schuyler hurrying toward him.

"Doctor, you must come. Miss Y/n is hurt. I walked into her cabin accidentally, thinking it was my own. We neighbor each other, you see. She was standing over the faucet, bleeding through her undergarments!"

"Good God! Did someone attack her?"

"I don't know. Just go to her!"

"I'm on my way." He placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "You go back to your cabin, and lock your door, just to be safe."

Marie scuttled away, as Windlesham hastily grabbed his medical bag before making a beeline for your room, knocking twice before entering.

"Miss?"

And then he saw you, crouched by the sink, bloodstain just above your hip. You gasped with fright as you noticed the man.

"It's okay, dear, I'm here to help you." The doctor approached you, holding out his hand. You took it and he led you to sit down upon the armchair. "Did someone hurt you?"

"Oh, no. I was just, um, clumsy with a letter opener is all! Bit too much champagne I think." You attempted to laugh it off, but you could feel your eyes were glassy.

"May I?" Dr Windlesham gestured towards the concealed wound.

"Ah, okay."

Gently, the doctor eased the waistband of your satin shorts just below the hipbone, the warmth of his touch against your skin. You felt guilty for the thought even crossing your mind, but such a gesture felt incredibly intimate given you'd only known this man a few days, let alone after discovering his ex-fiancé dead this very morning.

"Do you mind if I clean it? Just a little alcohol to disinfect the wound. I'll also be able to see it better then, and determine the depth of the lacerations."

You nodded shakily. You were ashamed for him to see what you had done, but alas, you didn't protest. Windlesham reached into his bag and procured a small bottle, the contents of which he doused a cotton ball.

"This might sting."

You gritted your teeth and allowed a hiss to sneak through your lips as the alcohol cut through your exposed flesh.

"Shhhh. Shhhh." He gave your hand a little squeeze, which caught you off-guard, but appreciated all the same.

The doctor then disposed of the cotton, your wound now fully visible to him. You held your breath as he examined the lacerations, muttering to himself.

"They appear to be... almost as if they were-"

And then his eyes softened their squint, his deep brown pupils darted to meet yours.

"Self-inflicted."

That was your breaking point. Tears began to stream down your cheeks. You cupped a hand over your mouth and shut your eyes tight. It was then that you felt yourself being pulled into a strong embrace. Dr Windlesham, bless him, wrapped his arms tightly around you, comforting you as you cried.

"You're okay, dear. You're okay. Shhh. I'm here for you. Come on. You're okay."

And you simply let him. He too had lost someone dear today, as every person on this boat had. Linnet Ridgeway was your friend; she was his fiancé.

Slowly but surely, your tears began to cease, your sobs to sniffles. Having regained your composure, you then pulled away.

He started to dress the injury without uttering a word.

"Doctor..." You broke the silence. "I haven't put metal to my skin like that since I was seventeen..."

He remained mute, busying himself with the last of the dressing, pulling your waistband up over it.

"I haven't had these sort of thoughts since then. You must think I am of unsound mind-"

And then he glanced up at you, meeting your gaze with sombre expression. He sighed deeply. There were tears forming in his eyes now.

"I want you to know that... when she married Simon," he paused. "I actually thought about ending my own life."

That shattered your heart into a million pieces.

Windlesham propped himself up on his knees and took your hand, nails manicured in red, in both of his.

"I want you to know, that you are not alone."

From someone who was usually so very stoic, and guarded, grieving the loss of his beloved twice over, he showed so much compassion.

"When one goes through trauma, or fear, or loss, it is not uncommon to find means of releasing that emotion, through this type of thing. That is not to say it's a good coping mechanism."

You averted your eyes. Your lip began to quiver.

"But I do understand."

"Dr Windlesham you should-"

"Please... call me Linus."

"You should go." You pulled your hand away and attempted to blink back your tears. "I- I have kept you up for long enough. After such a horrific day for all of us-"

"All the more reason for me to stay. I'm not going anywhere. I am not leaving you like this."

You sniffed and worked up the confidence to meet his gaze once more.

"In times like these, people need to be there for each other. I don't want what nearly happened to me, to happen to you."

His expression was the epitome of stoicism, his words perfectly articulated, yet you could see right through the facade. You could see the emotion bubbling within his veins.

"Thank you. Linus." You collapsed beside him, your head resting against his shoulder, his arm holding you.

"I've already lost twice. I cannot lose a third."

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9th July 1937, 5:30am, your cabin

You awoke to the gentle cawing of grebes, splashing about in the Nile's plentiful waters. The sun was beginning to rise, peeking through the slats of your cabin. You wrapped your shawl around your shoulders and sat up, your eyes glancing over to the corner of the room; there was Dr Windlesham, seated in your armchair, staring out the gaps in the shutters.

"Dr Windlesham..." You said in a small voice.

"Oh!" he turned around to face you. He looked as though he hadn't slept. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"

You shrugged.

He smiled sadly, then reached for his glasses, and placed them on.

"...Linus?"

"Yes?"

"Can we sit on the deck?"

He nodded. "I'd like that." He walked over to you and held out his arm. You took it and, wrapping your shawl tighter around your shoulders, proceeded outside. No one was up, and yet a staff member stood with a tray of coffee, so you each took one.

You sat upon a little wooden bench.

"Do you still pine for her?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Linnet."

He sighed deeply. "I meant what I said - I nearly ended my life over her... but how much more longing can one do when they are well and truly gone? It was just such a shock. Both times."

"I miss her." Your voice began to quiver. "I really miss her, Linus."

"I know. I know, dear."

"And I know she would have wanted me to say this... she would have wanted the best for both of us."

His face crumpled in confusion.

"I- I care for you. And... " Your voice dwindled off, as you fixed your gaze upon the floor

Much to your surprise, you felt his hand take yours. "At least something good has come out of all this... I care for you too. And I know Linnet would have wanted us both to be happy. And you... You make me happy, despite all the sorrow, and pity in this world. I care for you."

After a moment of solitude, he spoke again.

"I must confess something."

You looked at him expectantly.

"Once I had found my footing after she broke the engagement, Linnet told me of a young woman. A kind, beautiful, angelic young woman who may take my fancy. You. She invited me on this tour so that I could meet you."

"God damn it, Linny!" You were teary, as you chuckled.

"Don't take it personally, but at first, I was not at all interested - you know, after just having my heart broken, you must understand. But some people you can't say no to. She asked. So I accepted." Windlesham turned to face you. "And by god, I am so glad I did. From the first moment, I saw you in the hotel lobby, I must say I was... captivated. But it wasn't until last night when I realised just how much so."

"Oh, Linus..."

"I want to stand by your side; I want to help you, heal you, love you."

The moment was so tender, and honest, and raw. And just like that, he inched closer to your face, initiating a kiss, which you graciously accepted. You pressed your lips to his, and you felt hope.

"Rest in peace, dearest Linny. Thank you for giving to us each other."

#death on the nile #linus windlesham #dr windlesham #death on the nile 2022 #murder on the orient express #kenneth branagh #hercule poirot #poirot #agatha christie #charles windlesham #lord windlesham

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