Bethany's Necklace

Bethany's necklace is a sacred object.

Background
After Bethany Thomas Coleman's death, the necklace is immediately stolen from her dresser by Nathan and stashed under his bed. When Nathan "escapes" with Jeffrey Coleman, one of the two things he brings is the necklace. He keeps this with him even after the Great Chicago Fire of 1845.

Role in the story
When Erica getting ready one morning, Nathan come into the room wielding the necklace. "This was my mother's," he says. Erica is flattered and touched until Nathan follows up with "Can you help with the clasp." Erica reluctantly puts the necklace on Nathan and says "it looks good with your eyes." Nathan blushes.

Eventual Fate
After Nathan's death, Erica reluctantly keeps the necklace until she realizes it was an object of obsession and unhealthy for Nathan to keep. She sets it on fire and throws the ashes into Nathan's urn