On the appointed day a large convoy of carriages conveying Napoleon and his guests set off from Fontainebleau into the surrounding countryside. Earlier, at first light, a somewhat larger convoy of carts had set off carrying tents, tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, silverware and glasses. More wagons groaned under the burden of the finest foods and wines the imperial court could provide for the luncheon. Still other vehicles carried the musicians who were to provide the entertainment while the members of the imperial court dined. At the tail of the convoy came the wagons carrying the hundreds of rabbits destined to be targets. Beside them walked the beaters and those assigned to load guns for the Emperor’s guests. Long before the first of the imperial retinue arrived at the chosen site, everything had been prepared for them.

Napoleon was riding in his carriage with General Junot and Berthier, and had spent most of the short journey swapping memories of the campaigns they had shared. At length there was a lull in the conversation, and then Napoleon suddenly leaned forward and tapped Junot’s knee.

‘You have not asked me why you are travelling in my carriage.’

Junot shrugged. ‘It is not my place to question your decisions, sire.’

‘Of course not.’ Napoleon grinned. ‘But you are curious, eh?’

‘Yes, sire.’

Napoleon leaned back and crossed his arms, enjoying his friend’s suspense for a moment. ‘General Junot, I have the pleasure of offering you the command of the newly formed Army of the Gironde. Do you accept?’

Junot smiled broadly. ‘It would be an honour, sire. I thank you with all my heart.What are my orders?’

‘You will have them in good time. Suffice to say, you will in all probability be enjoying the sights of Lisbon before the year is out.’

‘Lisbon?’ Junot’s eyes widened. ‘You mean to attack Portugal, sire?’

Napoleon frowned. ‘Lower your voice! There are foreign diplomats ahead of and behind us, including, I might add, the Portuguese ambassador.’

‘I apologise, sire.’

Napoleon dismissed it with a quick wave of his hand. ‘We will talk more on this later, Junot. I just wished to let you know about your appointment. No doubt you are wondering why I picked you.’

‘It had crossed my mind, sire.’

‘You have proved to be a good soldier, Junot, and a loyal one. We have known each other since you were my sergeant at Toulon, and I was a mere captain of artillery.’ Napoleon glanced out of the carriage window. ‘It seems so long ago now.’

The Emperor fell silent and Junot glanced towards Berthier with a questioning look.The chief of staff shrugged faintly.