CHAPTER EIGHT

1798–1799

THE PURCHASE OF MALMAISON

Joséphine Returns to Paris--The Talleyrand Fête--Purchase of the Hôtel Chantereine--Bonaparte’s Tour of Inspection--His Sudden Return--Napoleon’s Fortune--He Leaves for Toulon--The Fleet Sails--Joséphine at Plombières--She Buys Malmaison--Fortunes of the Bonapartes--Joséphine’s Indiscretions--Napoleon Hears the Reports--His Liaison with Madame Fourès 72