Esme leans her head on Claude's shoulder when they get back in the carriage. She's happy. She held her own against the society women of Paris who thought she couldn't be a partner for Claude.
"You did so well today, my dear. I never doubted you for a moment. My mother would be very proud of you today. You belong now." Claude is so proud of her and his smile shows it.
"What did your colleagues say?" Esmeralda asks with a note of tiredness in her voice. Being on show is exhausting.
"They're all quite jealous. Their wives all want to know who your seamstress is. I've never heard such compliments on the steps of Notre Dame. Normally the women are much less cordial. Something about you brings people together." Claude smiles genuinely.
Esmeralda smirks. "They didn't really say that, did they? You're making things up. They don't even like me, so they wouldn't compliment me, even if I did fit the part."
"I truly mean it. I saw men's jaws drop around the square when you stepped out of the carriage and their wives' eyes flared with jealousy. You were perfect. I'm so proud of you." Claude kisses Esme's cheek. They pull up in front of the house and Claude hops out to help Esme out of the carriage. She swings down from the carriage into Claude's arms where she instantly feels safe.