Friday 28th March 1808

Dear Diary,
I confess I might be warming to our foreign occupiers. On a gentle stroll about the woods this afternoon the Countess regaled me with tales about "Gay Paree". I must concede it does sound most inviting and a place I could, very well, feel at home in. Furthermore, I know not whether it was the brightness of her smile that has blinded me to all around, since her arrival, but for the first time today I became aware of the handsome stature of a number of her male escorts. I was led to believe that the gentlemen of France exude a scent described as a mix of garlic and urine but I have to say, on standing downwind of a good few fellows today, I detect no such aroma, On the contrary, the bouquet was most enticing. One delightful fellow, by the name of Emmanuel, who wears his breeches very well, has glanced in my direction a number of times. His smile outshines the Countess'. I shall attempt to contrive an impromptu encounter.