Eliza smiled softly. "Thank you for your kind words your grace. I will do my best to make sure your mother's necklace is returned safely."
James smiled. "I know you will."
Arriving to Devonshire Park five minutes later, Eliza suddenly became a little intimidated. The large and magnificent structure, comprised of dark gray stone with dusty blue trim, was very daunting. Could she find the necklace and return it? She was hoping she could.
James squeezed her hand gently. "Don't fret, everything will be all right."
Taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, Eliza followed James out of the carriage and up the three stones steps to his magnificent home. Once the door was opened by the Devonshire Butler, Carlton, they were escorted inside. The inside of the house was composed of white walls with dove gray trim and mahogany wood floors that melted into a grand circular spiral staircase. Downstairs had the kitchen, several parlors, the ballroom and dining room. Upstairs had the drawing room, music room, and several luxurious bedrooms.
James smiled as he watched Eliza take in his massive home. "The dining room is also used for our breakfast room. Afternoon tea is served in the main parlor."
Eliza nodded. "You have a beautiful home your grace. But I must ask, do you not have a library?"
James chuckled. "I do, but it's a bit hidden away. It's just past the main parlor through a door."
Eliza nodded. "I see. Where is your mother?"
Carlton. "Her grace is in the parlor Miss Watson."
James. "Thank you Carlton, we will speak to my mother alone. You may return to your duties."
Carlton nodded, gave a bow, and left.
James looked at Eliza. "Are you ready to meet my mother?"
Eliza nodded. "I am ready to meet her and get the information I need to bring her necklace back."
James nodded and escorted her into the parlor. He smiled at a lovely woman with salt and pepper hair and the same brown eyes as him. He walked over to her, hugging her gently. "Hello mother."
Lady Margaret Dalton smiled at James. "Hello my love. Did you find the culprit who took my necklace?"
James shook his head. "No, not yet. However, I do have someone who is going to help find it."
Margaret. "Oh? And who is that?"
Eliza smiled, stepping forward and dropping into a curtsy. "Good evening your grace. I am Miss Eliza Watson, private detective. I am going to be the one to find your necklace and return it to you."
Margaret nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I have faith that you can find it Miss Watson. That necklace means a great deal to me. "
Eliza took a seat across from the dowager Duchess. "I am aware, James told me it was a gift to you from your late husband."
Margaret nodded. "Yes it was."
Eliza. "I assure you that I will find the culprit."
Margaret. "Thank you my dear."
Eliza. "You are welcome. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about what took place earlier this evening?"
Margaret shook her head. "Not at all. I will answer to the best of my ability."
Eliza nodded. "Very good. Now tell me, when exactly did you feel your necklace become removed from around your neck?"
Margaret. Shortly after leaving the restaurant."
Eliza. "Did you see who took it?"
Margaret shook her head. "Sadly I didn't. It happened very quickly, and by the time I turned around, the necklace was gone."
Eliza nodded. "I see."
Margaret swallowed hard, her eyes welling up with tears. "David gave me that necklace on our wedding day. I cherish it so much. It's my favorite piece of jewelry."
Eliza swallowed, feeling her emotions rising to the surface. Reaching forward, she placed her hand on top of Margaret's. "I promise you your grace, I will find the culprit and retrieve your necklace. I know what it means to lose a loved one, and to have something special that they gave you."
Margaret sniffled, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. "I am very grateful to you Miss Watson. I have faith that you will find the thief who took my cherished necklace and return it safely."
Eliza nodded. "I will, you have my word."
Margaret gave her a soft smile. "Thank you Miss Watson. My question is, how are we to find the thief?"
James, who had been standing in the doorway listening in on the conversation, smiled. "Why don't we put an advertisement asking for help into the paper?"
Margaret. "Do you think that could help my dear?"
James nodded. "I believe it could. What do you think Miss Watson?"
Eliza rolled the idea around in her head. People would read the paper, and have a desire to help find the culprit. She nodded. "I believe that would be a perfect idea. I can draw up a declaration and give it to the newspaper agency."
James shook his head. "Leave that to me."
Eliza rose a brow. "Your Grace, are you sure? It's no trouble for me to do it."
James. "Please, you have enough on your plate. Allow me to do this for you."