‘That’s all, for now,’ Talleyrand replied quietly. ‘Until they are arrested and sent into exile, or simply disappear.’

Fouché shrugged. ‘As the saying goes, you can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs.’

‘But I am not talking about eggs, my dear Fouché. I am talking about people.’

Napoleon slapped his hand down on the table. ‘Eggs, people, no matter. Fouché, if the war happens I want any opposition to it put down at once. Once the mobilisation is authorised I suspect there will be the usual malcontents who’d rather abscond than serve in the army. When they are caught you may hang some of them to serve as an example. And Berthier, you will give the order for the corps of the Grand Army to begin concentrating about Bamberg. Understand?’

Fouché and Berthier nodded. Talleyrand regarded them coolly and then rose from the table. ‘Sire, it would appear that you are determined to go to war against Prussia, in which case my work is done, and you have no further need of me.’

‘On the contrary.’ Napoleon paused and stared at his minister, until Talleyrand resumed his seat.‘You have one more service to perform for your country, for your Emperor, before any war begins.’

‘Really, sire? And what service would that be?’

‘When war comes, then I will not be seen as being responsible for causing it. So we need a casus belli.’

‘Evidently, sire,’ Talleyrand replied drily. ‘What did you have in mind?’

‘The Prussians have made little secret of their desire to annex Saxony. I would like you to let them know that we would not take exception to such an eventuality. Naturally, I want this to be an informal understanding. There is to be nothing on paper, do you understand?’

Berthier frowned.‘Saxony? But, sire, that is part of the Confederation of the Rhine. It is under your protection. I don’t understand.’

Napoleon sighed wearily. ‘Berthier, please confine your contributions to areas where you have expertise. Leave diplomacy to others.’

Berthier’s lips pressed together, and he bowed his head and looked down at his notebook. Napoleon returned his attention to Talleyrand. ‘Let Frederick William know that Saxony is his, provided Prussia keeps its peace with France. I doubt that he will turn up the chance to add Saxony to his inventory. And when he does, we will have our reason to go to war.’

Chapter 21 - Bamberg, 7 October 1806

Chapter 21

Bamberg, 7 October 1806

‘And, unless his imperial majesty replies to this ultimatum by the eighth day of October, and pledges to order his forces back from the frontier, a state of war will exist between Prussia and France . . .’