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Her heart skipped a beat as she lifted the necklace from its resting place, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail. It was a piece of jewelry fit for a queen, a symbol of elegance and sophistication that spoke to her soul in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as she held the necklace up to her reflection in the small looking glass, the pearls shimmering softly against her skin, and the diamonds twinkling with an inner fire that set her heart ablaze. In that moment, she immediately felt a sense of connection to the necklace as if it were meant for her and her alone.

With a radiant smile lighting up her face, she turned to James, her eyes shining with joy and gratitude. “This is the one,” she declared, her voice filled with excitement. “It is absolutely perfect.”

“We’ll take it,” James announced to the clerk.

“Shall I have it wrapped up for you, madam?” the clerk asked Penelope, but before she could reply that it would be lovely, James interfered.

“No, thank you,” he said resolutely. “She will be wearing it.”

“But, James, do you really think?—”

“I do,” he assured her.

With tender reverence, he took the necklace from her trembling fingers, his touch gentle yet purposeful. He carefully fastened the clasp at the back of her neck, his fingers lingering against her skin as he admired the way pearls and diamonds adorned her delicate neckline.

As the necklace settled into place, she felt a rush of warmth coursing through her veins, as if she were being adorned with more than just jewelry. It was as if each pearl and diamond carried with it a piece of James and his affection for her, a tangible reminder of the path they were on together.

She turned to him, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered. “It is absolutely beautiful.”

She pressed her fingers against the necklace, caressing it softly.

“You are a duchess now, Penelope. This necklace is precisely what you should expect from me from now on,” he said, looking into her eyes.

“James, I… I don’t know what to say,” she managed to muster, still pressing her palm against the pearls.

After James had paid for the necklace, and they left the shop, she gently grabbed him by the elbow. “James…”

He could immediately see that there was something on her mind. He gestured at them to move aside, away from the hustle and bustle of the street. “What is it, Penelope? You don’t like the necklace?”

“Oh, no, no, it’s not that at all,” she assured him. “Quite the opposite. I love it.”

He smiled at her words. “Then what is the matter?”

“Well, it’s… I don’t want you to spend so much money on me.”

“Why not?” he asked.

“I… feel like that money could be put to better use,” she tried hard to find the right words, and she hoped she managed to do it.

“Better use?” he chuckled. “No, my dear Penelope. It is my duty as your husband to spoil you.”

“I know, just… I’ve never been spoiled like that,” she admitted, blushing out of embarrassment because something told her that wasn’t right, that families should be spoiling their children with love, affection, and occasional gifts, none of which she had received from her own.

“Then that is all the more reason for me to do so,” he reassured her, offering her his hand. “Now, shall we go for my second surprise?”

“You mean, there is more?” she gasped, smiling affectionately.

“Most certainly,” he said, locking eyes with hers tenderly.

* * *

James had no idea whether Penelope would like the next surprise as much as the first one. He led her to a small, quaint theatre, not far away from the jewelry shop. As they approached the entrance, the glow of gas lamps illuminated a charming façade, casting a warm, inviting ambiance.

“Where are we?” Penelope inquired in awe as he opened the door and escorted her inside, the scent of fresh flowers and polished wood filling the air. The interior of the theatre was intimate yet elegant with plush velvet seats arranged in neat rows facing a stage adorned with richly draped curtains.

“Are we going to watch a play?” she asked as he guided her to a prime spot in the very center of the theatre where they settled into their seats hand in hand, anticipation bubbling between them.