The Diary of Cozette Read Online Free PDF

note into my pocket today as I was cleaning beans. It stated simply, “Return today.” I turned to ask him how he’d come by it, but the boy was already gone. Thunder rolls in the distance, a sign of an impending storm. I pray it will not detain Ernest. Tonight I will sneak from my bunk and wait in the cellar, trusting he will be there.
    ~A.C.B.

October 2, 1871
    Had the torrential rain not arrived, it is likely Mr. Abbot would have called upon Ernest to do other chores and he would not have been able to meet with me. But it was fate that made it possible and I would not waste the opportunity to speak to him of these feelings I keep deep inside for him. He has no idea of the utter joy he has given to my bleak colorless existence simply by his camaraderie. Is this love? Does he feel the same? I do not know, but this I do know, his affection and care for me I shall forever keep sealed in my heart.
    My dreams are filled with thinking of us in wedded bliss, our moments together as husband and wife. He is wise beyond his years as evidenced by his gentle persuasion to ensure the safety of my passage. I must pen every word of our evening together, to keep the memory alive even as I leave him in but a few hours. So that when I close my eyes, I will remember….
    Our clothes sodden from the soaking rain of the day, Ernest held my shoulders as he spoke with urgency in his voice.
    “I overheard Mr. Abbot’s conversation this morning to a strange man in his office as I prepared the fire. I pretended to go about my business. Mr. Abbot assured the man of my loyalty under penalty of repercussion and so permitted him to speak freely.”
    “Oh, Ernest.” I touched his shoulder, horrified at the thought of what Mr. Abbot was capable of. Indeed, I was a great deal more concerned about his welfare than the news he carried.
    “It is not fear of Mr. Abbot’s threats that bring me concern, little bird, but the subject of their conversation that prompted our urgent meeting.”
    Ernest clasped my hands between his, keeping his voice low.
    “I heard them strike a bargain of fifty pounds for a young virgin, one that is agreeable and preferably has fiery disposition.”
    I backed away, not wanting to hear the truth plainly before me.
    “There is no girl possessing these qualities living here other than you. This is why you must leave, my little bird, my sweet Cozette. Since Elizabeth’s disappearance, I have heard tales of the horrors that await young girls in the hands of these men. Their wealth makes them very powerful and they find prey through men like Mr. Abbot, whose greed extends beyond his noble facade.”
    True, I was no innocent to these stories. I had heard a few told in hushed whispers, but believed them to be rumors of bitter, ungrateful residents of the orphanage. However, this was Ernest, and I knew he would not lie to me.
    I drew our entwined hands to my sodden chest. My blouse, transparent from the rain, clung to my skin. “Then we shall leave at once…together, tonight, this very instant.” I held tight to his hand and turned to leave, true to my word. He tugged me around to face him and brought our entwined hands to his lips, placing a firm kiss to the back of my hand.
    “I have enough to get you safe passage to London. I will need to stay on a few more months and earn enough to come to you. But I swear, I will find you as soon as I am able.”
    “It is too dangerous. No, I cannot even consider the thought of leaving here without you, Ernest.” My youthful determination grew more defiant.
    “And I cannot bear to think of what fate awaits you if you do not leave this very night.”
    He drew me into his embrace, warm and secure, but deep down I knew he spoke the truth. How would I survive without him? Yet I could not disregard the brave intent of his concern for me.
    “Please promise then that you will make every effort to be well and come to me without undue delay. I will secure employment and find us suitable