‘It’s impossible to say exactly. We’ll have to see what the situation is when we arrive. But let’s assume, for the moment, that conditions are ripe for leading France in a new direction.’ Napoleon’s eyes glinted as he opened his hands to gesture to his three subordinates.‘Why should it not be we who determine the course of that new direction? Are we not patriots? Have we not risked our lives for France on the battlefield? Who better, or more deserving, to lead the nation forward to victory, and peace?’

Lannes shook his head. ‘You are talking treason, sir.’

‘Treason? What have I ever done to betray France? No.This is not treason. Treason is what those corrupt politicians in Paris practise every day they mismanage the war and drive our people into poverty.’ Napoleon stabbed his finger down on the table. ‘The time for change has come, Lannes. All that matters now is to determine which side you are on.’

Lannes looked at Napoleon with a hurt expression. ‘General, I am on your side, and at your side, whatever happens, until the day I die.’

Napoleon nodded. ‘Thank you. And you, Berthier? Murat? Are you with me?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Then it is settled. Never forget, my friends, that we do this for France, and for no other reason.’

‘When do we leave?’ asked Berthier. ‘I will need time to plan for the transfer of authority to Kléber, and to brief my replacement here.’

‘There will be no mention of this to anyone outside this room,’ said Napoleon. ‘If word got out then the morale of the men would sink like a rock. We’d risk a mutiny.’ He lowered his voice a little. ‘There are two frigates at Alexandria, provisioned and ready to sail at a moment’s notice. In addition to you three, I will be taking my personal servant, Roustam, some of my household staff, a few good officers and two hundred picked men of the guides. None of them are in the know. Tomorrow, we leave Cairo, ostensibly on a tour of our outposts on the Nile delta. We will make straight for Alexandria, board the ships and set sail.’

Berthier was stunned. ‘But when will you inform Kléber?’

‘I will send him a message as we embark.’

Lannes took a sharp breath. ‘Can you imagine how he will react? The man will be incandescent.’

‘That can’t be helped,’ replied Napoleon. ‘We have to put France first, ahead of our friends and comrades. It is painful, shameful even. I accept that, but it is necessary. I am sure all of you understand that. Now, time is short, my friends. You must take as little away with you as possible; we cannot afford to arouse suspicion. Be ready to leave at dawn tomorrow.’