‘Yes,’ Napoleon conceded and made a thin smile of contrition. ‘Yes, I do. Apologies, brother. Please continue.’

‘Very well. As I said, there is a strong voice for peace in France. Talleyrand is playing on that for all he is worth. But he knows that the army is behind you.While you have the loyalty of your soldiers there is nothing he can do. However, with the growing threat of war with Austria, people are beginning to wonder what will happen to them if France is defeated. You will surely be removed from the throne, and those like Talleyrand and Fouché who have much to lose if the Bourbons return are fearful of losing their titles and their riches. So it seems to me that they are calculating that if they can find a leader who poses less of a threat to the rest of Europe, then France will be permitted to enjoy the fruits of peace.’

‘And they think that Murat would make a good Emperor?’ Napoleon asked incredulously.

‘Not necessarily, but I am sure Talleyrand is convinced that Murat will be his puppet, and he would be a popular choice with the army. If Murat can be persuaded to make the concessions necessary for France to be at peace with Europe,Talleyrand and Fouché and their friends will continue to live very comfortably.’

‘What if the other European powers will not make peace with Murat?’

‘Then Talleyrand will align himself with the Bourbons and hope to be rewarded when Murat is defeated.’

‘What makes you so sure our enemies can beat Murat?’

Lucien shrugged.‘Murat is a fine leader, but he is not you, Napoleon. There is only one man in France who can wield her armies with the genius that has defeated all our enemies these past years.’

Napoleon narrowed his eyes and stared at his brother, searching for signs of flattery, but Lucien seemed sincere enough.

‘The current danger,’ Lucien continued, ‘lies in the confluence of Talleyrand and Fouché. They parade their unity before the public, almost as if they are inviting others to do the same.Talleyrand has found himself a powerful ally in Fouché. Fouché’s agents are everywhere, and Paris is filled with his police. If called on, they might possibly overwhelm the soldiers you have presently guarding the Tuileries. I’d advise you to increase the size of your bodyguard at once. And make sure that those admitted to your presence are searched for weapons.’

‘Assassination?’ Napoleon shook his head.‘It is not Talleyrand’s style.’

‘I agree,Talleyrand would not dirty his hands with such business. But Fouché might.’