Napoleon stared at his subordinate, momentarily surprised by his boldness. If Berthier, of all people, dared speak to him this way, then his power over his followers was not as firm as he had supposed. It would be best to affect a conciliatory aspect, he concluded.

‘It is possible that the enemy may advance as far as Paris,’ he conceded. ‘It might be prudent to avoid giving battle in the streets, if there is an advantage to be sought from doing otherwise. But you are right, my dear Berthier, it would be better to avoid unnecessary civilian casualties. After all, they pay taxes.’ He chuckled, and the others smiled thinly in response. ‘You have your instructions, gentlemen. I place my complete trust in you to keep order during my absence. Savary, Berthier, you are dismissed.’

The two officers rose from their chairs and left. When they had gone, Napoleon eased himself back with a sigh, and then smiled at his older brother. Joseph returned the smile hesitantly.

‘It is a comfort to me to know I can rely on you, Joseph. I can trust you with my empire while I go to fight the enemies of France. Can I also trust you to take care of my wife and son?’

‘Of course.’

Napoleon scrutinised his brother. ‘We are so unalike, in many ways. You are a man of considered opinion, and of gentleness. I was wrong to impose the crown of Spain upon you. It was too heavy a burden. I see that now. I should have used your talents more wisely.’

‘I have served you as well as I could, whatever you asked of me.’

‘I know. I have always been grateful to you for that.’

‘Even when you have not shown it?’

Napoleon smiled sadly. ‘Even then.’

The injured note in Joseph’s tone was clear and for a moment Napoleon could not look his brother in the eye. Instead he reached for the decanter of wine and poured two glasses, carefully sliding the first across the table towards his brother. ‘Tell me honestly, what do you advise me to do?’

Joseph stared at him for a moment and then shrugged. ‘The war is lost. The allies have offered you terms - generous terms under the circumstances. Why don’t you accept them, while there is still time to keep your throne?’

Napoleon stroked his brow. It was true that some, at least, of his enemies were prepared to discuss peace on fair terms. Both England and Austria had offered to end the war if France accepted the frontiers that she had at the outbreak of the Revolution. Napoleon would be permitted to retain his throne, but would have to renounce his authority over the Confederation of the Rhine, as well as all his lands in Italy. He shook his head.