A tall man, undistinguishable in the shadows of the house, appeared at my side.
“Permit me, milady, to show Mr.….?”
“This is Miss Cozette, Mr. Coven. She will be our new house servant and yes, you are wise to use the rear entrance. We wouldn’t want to muddy up Miss Farrington’s clean floors.”
“My pleasure.” He bowed at the waist and turned his attention to me. I saw for the first time, a large black patch covering his left eye. The cloth covered part of his cheek as well. It was apparent he’d been in some sort of accident. He said nothing for a moment and simply stared until I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
“Your bags, Miss…Cozette? Did I pronounce the name correctly?”
Perhaps his vision was marred by his lack of one eye?
“Yes, it is Cozette, um, Miss Cozette, and as you can see.” I squinted up at his face in the dusky twilight. “I have no other bags.”
He did not respond as I thought he might to my comment, instead, he lifted his hand, waving the coachman to the road going around to the back of the manor.
“Please follow me, I will show you the servant’s entrance. It isn’t far, but I wager that after your carriage ride a bit of a stretch is good for the legs, eh? You come from London, then?”
He seemed amiable enough this Mr. Coven, quite tall and broad through the shoulders. I would have perhaps enjoyed his company in our short jaunt as I had many questions about my new employers, but I could barely keep up with his long-legged stride through the arbor path leading to the back of the house. I searched the deepening shadows, wanting to view the gardens area, but we rushed too quickly through the passage.
“What, may I ask, was your previous occupation, Miss Cozette?”
He vaulted the question over his shoulder as he continued his rapid gait. I gathered the man was neither interested in knowing about me, nor making me feel welcome. Perhaps I could gain his attention with a candid answer. I smiled, sure that my wicked answer would stop him in his tracks. “My former employer was of the oldest profession there is, sir.”
“Wine-making?” he tossed back.
Wine-making? I glanced wearily at the dark sky above. Indeed, he was more sequestered than I thought out here in the country. “Not directly sir, but there surely has been a number of bottles emptied on any given night. No Mr. Coven, much older a profession I wager. Whoring, high-class whoring, mind you, but whoring just the same.”
If I had anticipated shock, it was my own at the lack of his response. He did not comment, nor did he turn around, but continued on, each foot stepping solid along the stone path. I waited a moment, curious about what judgments he may already have pronounced in his head. “You heard me, then?”
He came then to a sudden halt, causing me to stumble and run headlong into his back. With an easy turn, he faced me, his height most reliable. I sensed his steady gaze on me. Had I been prone to intimidating situations, this might have been one for me. However, I was so weary that I could not muster the will to quake in my boots.
“Indeed, I may be void of sight in one eye, but my hearing is impeccable I assure you. I simply did not wish to humiliate you.”
He hesitated and in my shock, I was, perhaps for the first time, speechless. “Pardon, sir, humiliate me?”
He hesitated to respond, his gaze searching the parameter of where we stood in the middle of the ivy-covered tunnel-like passage. His gaze returned to mine and I sensed him assessing me.
All at once, his meaning became quite evident.
“No doubt you will likely earn better wages as a housemaid to Mistress Archibald.”
My mouth opened in response and I snapped it shut, refusing to give the glock the satisfaction of my handprint on his face. Still, he had rankled my ire, and perhaps deliciously so, for I rather enjoyed the gauntlet he’d tossed before me.
“Indeed, as one familiar with the art of survival, I venture to say I have many times over the experience as you out here with your goats and chickens.”
I heard his soft chuckle. “We have only horses on this farm, Miss Cozette and let me say if goats and chickens have been what you are used to—”
“Mr. Coven, perhaps you are simply envious because your experience, or lack thereof, goes little further than your deep passion for your horses?”
“Is that so, madam?”
“Indeed, sir.”
In the deepening shadows, I discerned a small smile lift the corner of his mouth. His hair, dark as pitch, hung past his collar, and curled out at the ends, framing his firm jaw. The conceited oaf acted as if pitching horse dung ranked above mine as a more noble profession.
"Elegant, witty, and lushly written, Diary of Cozette is an evocative erotic story that is impossible to put down." Sharon Page, USA Bestselling author, The Club
"The Diary of Cozette" is such an enthralling book. I normally don't read anything but the modern day romances. But Amanda McIntyre has changed that for me. Her description of characters and locations are so vivid that I felt I was there." Jackie Riley, reader
This is the literary version of a chocolate-covered strawberry - an indulgence to be savored. I am looking forward to more literary treats from her " Nicole, RT Bookreviews blogger
A Surprising Love Story, March 8, 2009
 Sprinkled through out my readings of many fiction and non-fiction novels, "romance" novels I can count on to always be an easy read. The Diary of Cozette was an easy read, and I was pleasantly surprised by Amanda McIntyre's writing style. Her choice descriptions flowed and she truly is an artist in the writing realm. All in all, I enjoyed the erotic storytelling and her fantastic writing skills." L. Lin, Amazon reviews
Fantastic!, March 16, 2009
It was very elegantly written. The words flowed very poetically. Ms. McIntyre can pen some really amazing sexual encounters. And the great thing, they are rather short but pack a walloping punch!" Amy, Romance Book Wyrm
My favorite book, December 31, 2008
"For my whole life, I'd never been able to tell others what was my favorite book. Now I can safely say THIS BOOK IS IT. It's been over a month since I finished it, and I still get tingly from how utterly romantic the ending was. A required read for all romance lovers." Writer M, Amazon reviews
Loved every minute of it!, March 2, 2009
"This was such a unique and refreshing change of pace from the usual romance. I loved the format and truly could not put it down. The scenes were hot, the romance sweet as they come. Couldn't ask for more." S.L. Eaton, Amazon reviews
WINNER OF BEST REVIEW STORY EVER: I told Barbara that her review of Diary of Cozette was the best, because of the whole story surrounding it! Anytime a book can drawn in a reader to this capacity, they should be deeply humbled and so I am as well as pleased ;). Booklover Blog
"An erotic you don't want to miss..." Highly Recommended Read
While both erotic and sexy, The Diary of Cozette was a compelling historical novel. The first person narrative kept me centered in Cozette's life. The details of the time period (late 1800's) gave me a crisp view of what life was like for Cozette and other girls in her position. It's nice to read a book that doesn't have the heroine worrying so much about how bad she must be because she enjoys herself with men.
As I said in a blog post I wrote when I was reading this book, it's a captivating read. Once I started, I couldn't stop until I'd reached the end.
Doubly nice, for the romantics, this erotica novel is wonderfully satisfying.If you enjoy historical novels, you'll love this sexy, sensual erotica. An erotic you don't want to miss..." Reviewed by Terescia, The Erotic Reader Reviews
"An intoxicating read! I couldn't put it down! Amanda McIntyre delivers a senusal story, unforgettable characters and an erotic journey of discovery and delight. It's a breathtaking ride, full of heart, and one sure to stay with readers for a long, long time!"
--Renee Bernard, USA Today Bestselling Author
I loved it! This is a keeper!"--Jo Carol Jones
"This first person account of the Victorian life of a female not of the aristocracy is a superb historical. Cozette makes the tale as she learns plenty of hard lessons from her encounters with so called upright citizens; she becomes nineteenth century street smart. Amanda McIntyre provides a deep “autobiographical” tale as THE DIARY OF COZETTE is a fascinating look from a victim's perspective of those who abuse their power. 5 stars!"
Harriet Klausner, Reviews
"I haven’t read a book in one sitting in years, but I read yours from beginning to end because I couldn’t put it down. WOW! I loved it! "--Pamela Dalton,HQ Presents, Sil Desire Author
"McIntyre's first person narrative is persuasive... beguiling! 4 stars!"--RT BookReviews on Diary of Cozette |
