‘It was my pleasure,’ said Napoleon. He turned to the King of Prussia, who was wearing a wretched expression. ‘Sadly, my stores are somewhat limited by virtue of being on campaign, and I have been able to send you only what is left after having provided for the Tsar. I am sure you understand.’

‘Of course.’ Frederick William nodded. ‘I appreciate it.’

The procession wound through the streets until it reached the headquarters of the Grand Army.There a banquet had been laid out for the guests, and once Napoleon had formally greeted the Tsar and the King of Prussia before the assembled officers and courtiers, toasts were drunk and the officers fell to talking. As Napoleon had ordered, his marshals and generals approached their opposite numbers and engaged with them in an animated manner regarding the features of the recent campaign. The reception continued through the hot afternoon, and Napoleon turned every measure of his charm on the Tsar, flattering him in every credible way while at the same time making clear their similarities and those of their respective nations and national interests. Meanwhile the King of Prussia stood by, occasionally included in the conversation and looking more and more bereft and humiliated as the hours wore on.

Late in the afternoon the Tsar took leave of his host, and the Russian retinue, and the handful of officers accompanying Frederick William, drifted off towards the accommodation prepared for them. As the last of them left imperial headquarters, passing once again between the ranks of the guardsmen, Napoleon watched them go with a weary sigh.

‘Well, that’s done.’

‘Thank Christ for that,’ Ney muttered sourly.‘Never had to entertain such a bunch of dunderheaded dandies in all my life.’

‘This is only the start of it.’ Napoleon yawned. ‘I want to put the Grand Army on display while we conduct our negotiations. I want Alexander to be in no doubt about the quality of the men he must face if he ever decides to wage war on France again. Pass the word to Berthier. He is to give orders for a review of each corps.We’ll start with the Guard in two days’ time.’

‘Yes, sire.’

Now that the strain of the day’s preparations and performance were over, weariness descended on Napoleon like a dead weight. He rolled his head to ease the stiffness in his neck.‘I am retiring to my quarters to rest. I am not to be disturbed.’

‘Yes, sire.’

Napoleon turned away, and then paused. ‘Don’t forget to have the Imperial Guard dismissed. Poor fellows have been out there for the best part of six hours.’

Ney grinned. ‘Do ’em good, sire. Keep them on their toes ready for action at the drop of a hat.That’s what I say.’