‘We are adults, my love, so please let’s behave with the dignity of adults.’ She made her tone as gentle and reasonable as possible. ‘Now, open this door.’

There was silence, then the soft padding of bare feet. Her heart beat fast against her breast as a key turned in the door and a moment later the handle twisted and the door opened slowly.

Next morning Lucien arrived on the doorstep of his brother’s house and rapped the knocker. A moment later the door was opened by the preposterously dressed servant Napoleon had brought back with him from Egypt.

‘Has my brother risen?’

‘No, sir.’ Roustam stood aside to let Lucien pass, and Lucien could not help smiling as he saw that the hall was empty of all the baggage that had been there when he had called the day before. ‘Ah - she’s gone then.’

‘Sir, I—’

‘Just get some coffee brewing and take it to the study. My brother and I will be in conference this morning.’

‘But, sir . . .’

‘Just prepare the coffee!’ Lucien repeated. He climbed the stairs two at a time. He felt elated by the departure of Josephine. Now his brother would be able to concentrate his full energies on other, far more important, matters. Reaching the door at the end of the landing, he did not knock, but turned the handle and entered the room.

‘Napoleon, it’s late.You were supposed to be at my house an hour ago. As it is I’ve come to you and—’

He stopped abruptly and stared towards the bed. Napoleon was propped up on a pillow, his pasty white chest naked and his dark hair as rumpled and untidy as the tangled bedclothes that covered his lower body. Resting her head on his shoulder was Josephine. Lucien took a deep breath and clenched his teeth to hold back his surprise and anger. He took a step back towards the door.

‘I apologise, madam. I had no idea you were here.’

‘Evidently,’ she smiled. She leaned further into Napoelon and nuzzled up to his breast, kissing his flesh.

Lucien flushed with irritation and embarrassment. ‘I, er, need to speak with my brother. At once.’ He fixed his eyes on Napoleon. ‘It’s very important. I’ll wait for you down in the study. Don’t take too long.’

He turned and left them, shutting the door behind him. As the sound of his footsteps retreated along the landing Josephine smiled to herself.

‘Now that you’re here,’ Lucien said testily, ‘we can finally begin.’

Napoleon did not reply, but smiled and helped himself to a cup of coffee and sat down. He took a careful sip and grimaced as he realised it was cold. He set the cup down and looked at his younger brother. ‘Well?’

‘You have picked a good time to return. A very good time indeed, brother.’