I'd largely avoided my husband as much as possible, but the day of the ball he cornered me in the morning room. 

 'You've become quite a stranger, m'dear.'

 'Yes. I've been busy with preparations.'

 'Onerous indeed if you must now retire every night before the tea tray arrives.'

 I passed a hand over my face. 'I've not been sleeping well.'

 'I'm sorry to hear it. Nerves, I expect.'

 'Oh yes, I expect so.'

 'Well, I hope this will help.' He held out a small but prettily wrapped package. I took it suspiciously. It contained a string of beautifully matched pink pearls, with corresponding earrings set into dull gold. They would go with my ball dress perfectly. 

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