‘I knew this would happen, my love,’ she continued.‘One day.When I had grown old enough for my looks to fade. I suppose she is far younger, fresher. The kind of girl who would make love in front of a fire on a cold winter’s night. Am I right, husband?’

His silence was answer enough and she laughed mirthlessly.‘I knew it.’

Napoleon swallowed nervously. ‘I am a man, Josephine, with a man’s appetites. If you cannot satisfy them, then I must look elsewhere. Besides—’

He shut his mouth abruptly and looked away.

‘Besides?’ She narrowed her eyes and continued sharply. ‘Besides what?’

When he did not reply, she raised her voice, fists clenched by her sides. ‘Besides what? Speak up.’

‘Very well, then.’ Napoleon raised his chin. ‘Since you insist.You are right. Marie excites me more than you do. Besides which, you have never given me any children. At least Marie could. She was carrying my child before it was lost.That proves my seed is fertile. And it is clear to me that your womb is barren. If we cannot have a child together, then what is the point of lying with you? But that does not mean that I don’t still love you, in a way.’

‘In a way,’ she mimicked mercilessly. ‘What way? Like a young man’s affection for an aged aunt, or an old pet? Is that it?’

Napoleon looked away wearily.‘Leave me. Go to bed. I will not have this discussion with you. Not now.’

‘Well, what if I want to discuss it now?’

‘Go, Josephine. I will not argue with you. Not tonight. Now go.’

‘Bastard,’ she muttered through clenched teeth.‘You faithless bastard.’

Napoleon jumped to his feet and thrust his arm towards the door. ‘Get out! Go! Now!’

Josephine was startled by the instant transformation and backed away nervously. She started to speak but he took two paces towards her, eyes blazing, and she feared that he might strike her. Turning, she hurried out of his study and quickly closed the door behind her.