CHAPTER ELEVEN

1800

THE QUESTION OF HEREDITY

The Season of 1800 at Paris--Problems of the First Consul--Success of His Administration--His Reception after Marengo--The “Conspiracy of Marengo”--Part Taken by Lucien and Joseph--The Meeting at Auteuil--Alliance of Fouché and Talleyrand--Joseph in Italy--Napoleon Answers the Pretender--Decision to Amend the Constitution--Alarm of Joséphine--The “Parallel”--Disgrace of Lucien--Louis Chosen--Joséphine’s Plan 96