Act 3 - Diamond
Dundadunduundadun! Hautboys rang out as Duncan arrived at the Macbeth estate. The porter put on his greediest smile and made more coins that day than he had the entire month.
Lady Macbeth was in her dressing room having a dire wardrobe upset. She has two gowns suitable for the occasion. One had a stiff white lace bodice and a skirt composed of layers of flowing red taffeta. Each layer of taffeta had a different shade of red, some layers a glowing scarlet and other a dark maroon-like shade. The red dress revealed the natural hints of red in Lady Macbeth's hair. The other was a gown made of green velvet and had extravagant puff sleeves that went down to the floor. The green picked up the emerald of Lady Macbeth's eyes. She was still trying to choose a dress when the king's arrival was sounded. Lady Macbeth was so flustered that she ran downstairs in her plain white cotton dressing gown, which matched neither her emerald green eyes nor her red tinted hair.
The king brought a diamond brooch for Lady Macbeth. The diamond had a brilliant cut and was inset in silver. The Lady Macbeth proclaimed the brooch "hurts my eyes with its shine." Then, when she put on her brooch, it disappeared into her plain white cotton dress. Her eyes didn't hurt anymore.
By all measures, it was a merry gathering. The mood of the Macbeths dramatically changed, however, when a messenger arrived. "Banquo is not four miles from this grand castle. He has been seen with a sword in his hand and rides urgently, like something is amiss" warned the messenger.
As quickly as possible, the guests were put to bed. Duncan was put in an ultra- safe room with seven guards stationed outside his door. The castle was deadly silent when Banquo's knock was heard loudly upon the door.