‘I doubt it, sir. Not at the moment. My worry is that he is not sufficiently discreet in terms of the company he keeps, nor in what he might say at an unguarded moment.’

Napoleon could not help laughing.‘Talleyrand is the most discreet man I have ever met! Besides, he would never betray France.’

‘No. Not France. But given that he’s a noble, it is possible that he favours the old order over the new. It is possible that his vision of France is not the same as ours, citizen.’ Fouché shrugged. ‘It’s understandable enough, given his past.’

Napoleon thought it over. It was true that Talleyrand was an aristocrat. Yet his beliefs, as he voiced them, demonstrated a radical frame of mind. Even though he had been abroad during the revolution,Talleyrand had served his country loyally since his return. It was mainly due to his deft touch that the Treaty of Amiens had worked out so well in France’s favour, and it was thanks to him that France was at last enjoying peace with the rest of Europe. And yet . . . What if Talleyrand was plotting to undermine Napoleon, in favour of the royalists? What if there was more to his social circle than there seemed? Certainly some of those named in the report numbered amongst Napoleon’s severest critics and political opponents. As Fouché had said, Napoleon should be on his guard.

‘Very well. Have him watched. But make sure that he knows nothing about it. I would not want Talleyrand to think I had lost faith in him. Just in case there is no proof of disloyalty.’

‘I understand, citizen.’ Fouché leaned forward and retrieved the folder. ‘I’ll see to it at once.’

There was something in his tone that made Napleon look sharply at his Minister of Police. There was a note of triumph there and Napoleon suddenly wondered if Fouché was genuinely concerned about Talleyrand’s loyalty, or whether he was playing a deeper game of position, undermining a potential rival in his play for greater power and influence at the heart of government. The lean face stretched over the skull and the hooded, knowing eyes did not engender trust, and Napoleon realised that Fouché - lacking public affection - was obliged to plot and scheme to secure his advancement. In the same way, Talleyrand was obliged to use his charm and wit to achieve his aims. Two sides of the same coin then, Napoleon concluded wearily. Was this how it would be from now on - a constant war of position amongst his subordinates as they plotted against each other?

‘Fouché,’ he said quietly.

‘Yes, citizen?’

‘I appreciate the conscientious, not to say zealous, manner in which you have carried out your duties. However, perhaps it might not be necessary to arrest so many of our people now that the popular vote has been taken to empower me for life.’

‘You still have enemies, citizen.’