Later that evening, Eliza climbed into the carriage that would take her to Bond Street. It wasn't large by any means, not like the carriage James possessed. However, it was comfortable enough to suit her needs. She settled back against the tufted seat, her mind spinning with images of the possible thief.
Eliza had no idea who it was. The only thing she knew, according to Thomas Parker, was that the thief possessed long black hair and a long beard. She also knew that the thief had a mask, so his face was obscured. She had to find this person before it was too late.
Retrieving the sketch from the pocket of her dark red skirt, Eliza examined it closely. She allowed the image to flow through her mind. She needed to remember it clearly.
When the carriage arrived to Bond Street six minutes later, Eliza felt her heart leap. This was it, the moment she would hopefully catch the thief and find the necklace. Taking a breath, she squared her shoulders and stepped out of the vehicle.
Bond Street was bustling with activity. People slipped into various jewelry and clothing shops, anxious to find the finest things to purchase. No one paid attention to the fact that a thief was on the move.
Dolce Ruby was just two shops down from where Eliza's carriage parked. It was nearly empty, only a few patrons looking around at the display cases. It was one of the finest jewelry shops in all of London.
Taking a breath, Eliza stepped into the shop. She found Ruby behind the main counter and walked over to her. "Good evening Ruby."
Ruby Donovan looked up, her green eyes going wide with surprise. "Miss Eliza Watson, what a pleasure it is to see you here. What can I assist you with?"
Eliza quickly glanced around to make sure no one was listening. She leaned closer. "I believe a thief has stepped through these doors and has done a jewelry switch."
Ruby's eyes widened. "How do you know?"
Eliza. "A witness came to my cottage earlier today and told me. He said that the thief was on his way here."
Ruby. "Oh my God. What was he wanting to switch?"
Eliza removed the false necklace from her pocket and placed it onto the counter. "This necklace is false, but it is a replica of the real necklace that belongs to the dowager Duchess of Devonshire. I believe the thief has brought the real necklace here. Have you seen it?"
Ruby examined the necklace carefully, scrutinizing every detail. "I believe I have seen this particular necklace here."
Eliza felt her blood simmer with excitement. "Have you? Is it still here?"
Ruby. "I will go and check."
Eliza watched her turn and walk toward one of the back display cases, her heart pounding with anticipation and anxiety. The necklace could potentially be in this shop, she thought. It had to be here.
Ruby returned a few minutes later, her hands carefully cradling a black velvet box. Placing the box onto the counter, she opened the lid. "Is this what you are looking for?"
Eliza examined the necklace, noticing that it was an exact replica to the one she had. But there was one thing she needed to look at to make sure her hunch was correct. Picking up the necklace, she flipped it over and gasped as she saw the gold butterfly inscription. "Ruby, this is it!"
Ruby. "Are you sure?"
Eliza nodded, retrieving her hand glass and looking at the necklace closely. Oh yes, there were indeed flaws on those gemstones. Feathers, cracks, crystals. "It's the true necklace."
Ruby smiled brightly. "Well then, I'm glad to have kept it safe."
Eliza placed the lid back onto the box. She smiled at her. "How has your jewelry shop been faring?"
Ruby was on the verge of answering, but then stopped. Her face became pale. "Oh my God."
Eliza turned just in time to see a figure moving swiftly toward one of the display cases. Her heart started hammering as she recognized his long black hair and beard. He was wearing a black mask. Handing the necklace back to Ruby, she leapt  forward, tackling the gentleman to the ground before he could get his hands on any more jewelry. She pulled out her pistol, aiming it at his face. "Remove your mask."
The gentleman struggled against her, trying to push back. "You won't force me to do anything!"
Eliza flinched briefly as the overwhelming smell of alcohol flowed from his breath. But then she composed herself, needing to identify this gentleman. "If you do not remove it, then I will."
Sneering at her, the man removed his mask, tossing it to the side. His face was not handsome by any means. His black eyes glared daggers at her. His teeth were pointed and yellow.
Eliza continued pointing her pistol at him, her free hand moving into the pocket of her skirt and removing a pair of handcuffs. "Who are you?"
The man smiled deviously. "Why should I tell you my name?"
Eliza stood up, yanking him up by his hand. "So I can hand you over to the authorities."
The man snorted. "You? You are going to hand me over to the authorities? But you're a woman."
Eliza glared at him. "I am a private detective sir. Now, what is your name?"
The man rolled his eyes. "Felix Gordon."
Eliza slid her pistol back into her pocket. "Put your hands behind your back Mr. Gordon. I am taking you to Scotland Yard."
After a few minutes of struggling, Felix Gordon was handcuffed and plopped into the carriage that would take him to Scotland Yard. It was a different carriage from the one Eliza had traveled in. He was gone before anyone could blink.