‘I know my people, Lucien. I know that they are loyal to me. They proved that when they voted to approve the senate’s proposal that I become their Emperor. By millions of votes to mere thousands. So don’t presume to tell me what the people think. I know what they think.The people love me.’ Napoleon smiled coldly.‘Even if your precious senators don’t.’
His brother froze at his words. Behind him the other senators glanced fearfully at each other before Lucien spoke again.
‘Sire, do you not recall the day when you became First Consul? We stood side by side in order to save France from the tyranny of corruption and incompetence. It would be dangerous if the people began to wonder whether they have not simply exchanged one form of tyranny for another.’
‘Do you call me a tyrant?’
‘Not I, sire. But others do.’
‘Then pass their names on to Fouché and they will be dealt with.’
‘That is precisely why I do not pass their names on to Fouché, sire.’
The two brothers stared at each other for a moment, and then Napoleon looked past Lucien at the other senators and pointed to the door. ‘Leave us.’
They looked to Lucien for a lead. He nodded slightly and they retreated from the room. No word was spoken until the door was closed and then Napoleon pointed towards the chairs set against the walls of the chamber. ‘Bring one of those here and sit with me, brother.’
After an instant’s hesitation Lucien did as he was told and settled stiffly on his chair under the penetrating gaze of his brother. At length Napoleon leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk. ‘Is it true what you say about the public mood?’
‘Yes.’
‘I see.’ Napoleon nodded as he considered the situation. He could count on the loyalty of the army without question. Some of his marshals on the other hand were clearly ambitious men in their own right. Men like Bernadotte, Augereau and Masséna. Then there were men of influence in Paris who could not be trusted either.Talleyrand, and even Fouché, who would submit to any master who served his own ends. There were dangers to his position, then. Yet Napoleon could not believe that the French people would abandon him. Not while he gave them victory. He decided to change the mood and smiled at his brother.
‘That’s enough of politics for now. I will think on what you have said. I promise. But for now, let us be brothers. What news of the family?’
Lucien’s posture relaxed a little as he composed his reply. ‘They are all well enough. Our sisters continue to argue bitterly and Mother gathers up every titbit of gossip that she can that confirms her opinion of Josephine. Our brothers are well enough. Joseph rules Naples effectively and is winning over the people with his reforms. The same goes for Louis in Holland. Jérôme is as much a liability as ever and trades heavily on the family name for advancement and influence. He wants all the privileges of being a Bonaparte without any of the obligations.’
They shared a chuckle over their younger brother’s hubris.
‘Have you seen Josephine recently?’ Napoleon asked.
‘Yes, she was at Mainz when we stopped there. She’s been there for some time, it seems. Waiting for permission to come and join you.’
‘I know. She writes to me regularly.’
‘So why not let her come?’
Napoleon shrugged. ‘The roads are difficult. The climate is uncomfortable and there are only my officers here for company. Hardly the cosmopolitan life she enjoys so much in Paris.’
‘It’s not so bad,’ Lucien countered. ‘From what I’ve seen so far Warsaw seems to offer enough diversions. I’m sure Josephine would be happy enough here.’
‘I’m sure she would.’ Napoleon’s thoughts turned to Marie Walewska and the uncomfortable prospect of having to juggle a wife and a mistress in the same small social circle. At present the physical charms of the young countess appealed more to him than the familiar comforts of the Empress. ‘However, as you helpfully pointed out, we are still at war and I am occupied by my duties. I would not have much time to spare for Josephine and it would be unfair to summon her to Warsaw only to neglect her.’
‘Yes, it would.’ Lucien looked at him closely. ‘I heard something of your, er, duties from the officers in the mess last night. The countess is a true beauty, apparently.’
‘She is. And I consider it a sacred obligation to create good relations with our hosts.’
‘Well, I’ve never heard it called that before!’ Lucien laughed. ‘But seriously, Napoleon.You cannot put Josephine off for long. She will get to hear of this and be hurt.’
‘So? She has hurt me in her time. Besides, there are other issues that divide us.’
‘Oh?’
‘She has yet to provide me with an heir, and the years are drawing on. I fear that she may no longer be capable of giving what is most needed. A son to succeed me and provide France with the stability she needs. Without an heir there is little chance that you will have your peace, Lucien. If Josephine fails me in this respect then I will need to find another wife to bear me children.’
‘That is a little cold-blooded,’ Lucien responded quietly. ‘I thought you loved her.’
‘I do. In my way. But the needs of France outweigh the needs of any one man, even the Emperor.’
Lucien raised his eyebrows briefly. ‘Perhaps. But she will be hurt.’
‘As will I. Sometimes pain cannot be avoided. When you and your companions return to Paris please tell her to travel with you from Mainz. There is no point in her waiting any longer. She might as well be where she is most comfortable.’
‘And when shall I say that you will return to her?’
‘When the war is over. When Prussia surrenders and I have beaten Russia.’
‘Do you seriously intend to invade Russia?’
‘If I need to. With luck, the Tsar will send his armies to face me. If not, then some day the Grand Army will need to find and defeat his armies. Even if that means chasing them to the very gates of Moscow.’
Lucien contemplated this for a moment and then asked, ‘Can you truly do that?’
‘I think so.’ Napoleon smiled. ‘We shall see. Let’s just hope that the Tsar obliges me by marching on Warsaw when spring comes.’
The door to the chamber suddenly burst open and they both turned to see Berthier hurrying across the tiled floor towards them, a piece of paper clutched in his hand. Napoleon saw the anxiety in his chief of staff ’s face.