Sunlight streamed in through the large glass windows of Devonshire Park, casting a brilliant golden glow throughout the entire estate. It was the beginning of May, and the social season was in full swing. Young ladies were on the marriage market, searching for their future husbands.
Thankfully, Eliza didn't have to worry about that part. She could attend balls and other social gatherings on the arm of the gentleman who was courting her for the last seven months. They hadn't said those three magic words to one another yet, but she was hoping it would be soon.
At the moment, Eliza was examining a majestic and magnificent necklace in front of her on the drawing room table. The entire necklace was composed of three rows of precious stones. Raising her hand glass, she examined the gemstones carefully, shaking her head.
Eliza sighed. Placing her hand glass onto the table, she glanced at the document beside the necklace. She knew very well that the necklace in front of her was fake.
Item stolen. Necklace belonging to Mrs. Bernadette Davenport
Time of theft. 1 o'clock the previous afternoon
Description. A three layer necklace composed of precious stones with a gold chain. The fastener is in the shape of a heart.
Eliza exhaled, rubbing her temples. She had no idea who the thief was. No one had come forward with any description.
James entered the drawing room, and taking one look at his frustrated private detective, walked over and kissed her cheek. "Still no luck my love?"
Eliza shook her head, leaning against his chest. "No, I've not received any news on the whereabouts of the thief. I don't even know what they look like."
James glanced at the necklace. "Is it another fake? "
Eliza nodded. "Yes it is. As you can clearly see, the fastener on this necklace is a circle. The actual necklace has a fastener in the shape of a heart."
James nodded. "I see."
Eliza closed her eyes with frustration. "I don't know what to do. No one has given me any information on this case. Mrs. Davenport is very distraught."
"James massaged her shoulders. "I know you'll figure it out darling. For now, I have a gift for you."
Eliza turned her head to smile at him. "James, you are spoiling me."
James chuckled, kissing her softly on the lips. "Isn't it my job to spoil you my dear? You may be a private detective, but you are also a young lady who needs love and affection."
Eliza giggled, returning his kiss. "I suppose you're right. What is this gift?"
James smiled, pulling her chair out and helping her to her feet. "Come with me, it's in your bedroom."
Her heart pounding with excitement, Eliza followed James up the stairs and toward her bedroom. Stepping through the threshold, she gasped as she saw the trio of gowns before her. She had never seen anything so beautiful.
Three extravagant gowns stood before her, each one composed of sumptuous fabric and style. All three were off the shoulder, one having a square neckline, the other a scoop neckline, and the third a sweetheart neckline. One was composed of Dusty blue silk, the other of gold satin, and the third of dark red velvet. Each gown was accompanied by a pair of earrings and matching necklace comprised of precious stones.
James smiled from behind her. "What do you think?"
Eliza turned and smiled at him sweetly. "They are beautiful James, thank you."
James smiled back, stepping forward and bringing her against him. He kissed her softly. "You are very welcome my love. I was thinking you could wear one of them three days from today."
Eliza. "And what is happening three days from today your grace?"
James. "The opera."
Eliza's eyes widened. "The opera?"
James nodded. "Yes, there is a lovely opera production happening this coming weekend. As my intended, I would like for you to go with me."
Eliza felt her heart give a jolt with excitement. She was going to be seen with the Duke of Devonshire at an opera. She smiled brilliantly. "That sounds like a lovely idea."
James smiled and brought his lips to hers once again. "Wonderful."
Carlton cleared his throat behind them. "Forgive the interruption your grace and Miss Watson, but there is a gentleman who wishes to speak with you. He says he has some news about the thief."
Eliza came away, her adrenaline beginning to burst. "Thank you Carlton. Where is this gentleman?"
Carlton. "He is in the parlor Miss Watson."
Eliza nodded. "Thank you."
Carlton nodded and left the two of them alone.
James smiled and caressed her cheek. "I will let you get to work. I will see you later for dinner."
Eliza smiled and kissed him sweetly. "I will see you later."
Exchanging another sweet smile and kiss, they turned and separated. Neither of them could wait to spend time together at the opera in three days. But, before that, they had work to attend to.