Eliza. "Thank you."
James. "You're welcome." Unfortunately, no one knew what the thief looked like.
After another hour of pleasant conversation, Eliza decided that it was time for her to leave. She needed to get some sleep, have her brain be fresh in the morning to continue the case. She thanked James and Margaret for their hospitality, sliding on her gloves jacket and beret as she walked toward the front door of the estate.
James. "Allow me to escort you back home Miss Watson."
Eliza glanced at him, shaking her head. "I appreciate the gesture your grace, but I am perfectly capable of traveling on my own. I simply need a carriage."
James. "Then allow me to take you home with one of mine."
Eliza opened her mouth to protest. She didn't need a gentleman to take her home. She had traveled home by carriage alone many times. "Your grace..."
James gazed at her, his dark brown eyes intense and burning. "Miss Watson, it's not safe for a woman like you to be traveling alone at night. Please, allow me to escort you home."
Knowing she was defeated, and not wanting to travel the streets of London alone while a thief was lurking around, Eliza excepted his offer. Saying good night to Margaret, she followed James out of the house and back into the carriage they had traveled in earlier. Settling back against the tufted seat, she took a deep breath. She was hoping and praying that the article would help find the culprit sooner rather than later.
***
The next morning, Eliza was sitting at the breakfast table of her small cottage, flipping through the newspaper to see if any articles had been written about the necklace. After flipping through three pages, she finally came across the article she had been waiting for. Taking a breath, she began to read what was written on the page.
CHERRISHED NECKLACE STOLEN.
Apprised necklace belonging to the dowager Duchess of Devonshire was stolen last night. The person responsible for the theft has yet to be caught. The necklace is comprised of a gold chain with a round pendant composed of precious gemstones. The back of the necklace has a butterfly inscription. If any witnesses saw what happened, please respond to this article, or send a letter directly to Miss Eliza Watson, private detective.
Eliza smiled. James had done it. He had put the information out involving his mother's necklace. Someone had to come forward now.
Rachel. "My goodness, with that article out everyone will be wondering who the thief is."
Eliza. "I am hoping they can catch the thief. That necklace is very valuable to the dowager Duchess."
Rachel smiled as she pulled her brown hair into a messy bun. "Don't you fret over that my dear, I'm sure the necklace and the thief will be found soon."
Eliza smiled softly. "I hope so."
Rachel squeezed her shoulder softly before turning and leaving the room. She was soon heard in the kitchen, preparing tea and a few cakes.
Eliza stared at the article before her, her heart constricting with anxiety. She had no idea if the article would reach anyone, much less be read by anyone. She sighed, massaging her temples. Everything needed to go smoothly.
***
Over the next three days, Eliza interviewed several people who came forward, stating that they had seen the theft take place. She pressed each person about what they witnessed, and if they had seen the thief. All of them said they saw someone remove the necklace from around Margaret's neck, but didn't see who the thief was. To her relief, it was clear everyone she was questioning had read the article James had written.
Once the final person left her cottage, Eliza slumped forward against her desk, placing her head into her palm. Yes, she had received vital information, but she was nowhere near solving the case. She exhaled with frustration.
George. "Still not having any luck?"
Eliza's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. "No, I am not having any luck yet. And when did you get here?"
George shrugged, his arms crossed over his chest. "Just now. I couldn't help but watch you wallow in your turmoil."
Eliza sat bolt upright, glaring at him. "I am not wallowing George. I am simply frustrated. There's a difference."
George raised one eyebrow. "Is there? I thought I just saw you with your head in your hands. That's not considered wallowing?"
Eliza rolled her eyes. "No, it isn't. Now, what do you want?"
George leaned against the wall, a smirk crossing his face. "Oh nothing, I simply came to see how you were doing with this case. Are you sure I can't take it off your hands?"
Eliza glared at him. "I'm sure George. I am perfectly capable of handling this case myself."
George. "Oh very well Miss Watson. I suppose I will let you return to your work. Good luck."
Eliza stood up. "Are you saying that just a taunt me?"
George turned back just as he was leaving the house. "No, absolutely not. I mean that in the best way."
Eliza put her hands on her hips. "I don't believe so. You want to take this case, along with the rest of my cases, for yourself."
George smiled deviously. "You would be correct. As a woman, I don't believe you need to be a private detective. Leave the cases to the gentleman."