Esmeraude was garbed as a noblewoman. Her chestnut hair was braided and threaded with ribbons and pearls. She wore a fitted kirtle of a dark blue damask, its hem and cuffs rich with golden embroidery.
The hues emphasized her own coloring, making her hair appear more golden and, no doubt, her eyes more blue. The vibrant crimson embroidery upon her chemise was visible at her neck and again at the hem. When she walked, the deep green of her embroidered leather slippers were visible, as was the yellow of her stockings.
The vivid hues suited her well. Bayard envisioned her in plum and red, in vermilion and green, in gold and deepest red. She sparkled in these colorful garments, like a jewel set among fitting finery, and he knew that he would have to see her garbed so lavishly always. She drew
