A sudden patter of rain against the glass drew Napoleon’s attention back to the weather. Overhead a thick band of cloud had blotted out the last patch of blue sky and a fresh gust of wind hurled the rain against the window with a sharp rattle.A moment later the view of the harbour had dissolved in the blur of water running down the window panes.

There was a rap on the door and Napoleon turned away from the window. ‘Yes?’

Berthier entered, followed by Admiral Bruix and two of his senior officers. The small party approached Napoleon and bowed their heads respectfully.

‘I assume that everything is in hand for the review?’ said Napoleon.

The admiral seemed to wince before he replied.‘Sire, it is not safe to proceed.’

‘Not safe?’

Bruix gestured towards the rain-lashed window. ‘There’s a gale blowing. It would not be safe. I have given orders for the review to be cancelled.’

‘You do not give the orders here, Admiral. I do. And I ordered you to prepare the review.’

‘But, sire, in this weather it would be madness.’The instant the word was uttered Bruix realised his mistake and hurriedly tried to conceal the error in a rush of explanations. ‘The boats ferrying the men out to the barges could be swamped. The vessels are already overloaded with supplies and equipment. The moment they try to tack out to sea they might be blown on to the shore.’

‘Could be? Might be?’ Napoleon snapped. ‘Where is your courage, Admiral? Where is your determination to see your orders through? Have you no sense of duty?’

Admiral Bruix’s face coloured at the attack on his integrity. ‘I know my duty, sire. It is my duty to preserve the men and vessels under my command so that they are fit and ready to do battle with the enemy. As such, it is my decision to delay the review until the weather improves.’

‘I see,’ Napoleon replied icily. ‘Then it is my decision to dismiss you from your post, with immediate effect.’

‘What?’ Admiral Bruix’s eyes widened in astonishment.‘You can’t do that.’

‘It is done. Berthier?’

‘Sire?’

‘Inform the naval ministry at once. And then see that Monsieur Bruix is removed from our presence and sent home.’

‘Yes, sire.’

Napoleon swept his gaze away from the hapless admiral and fixed it on the nearest of the other naval officers. ‘You.What is your name?’

‘Vice-Admiral Chaloncy, sire.’

‘Well then, you will take command of the naval forces in the harbour, and give orders for the review to continue.’

‘Sire, I . . .’ The vice-admiral glanced helplessly towards Bruix and Napoleon slammed his hand down on the table, making the others jump.

‘Damn you navy officers! Is there not one man amongst you ready to do his duty?’

The third naval officer stepped forward at once. ‘I’ll give the orders, sire.’

‘You are?’

‘Vice-Admiral Magon, sire.’