Here we have the words of Josephine after she has finally been divorced. We get a hint of how excruciating it must have been for her to have been cast aside while Napoleon was not willing to part with her daughter - who really did want to get away from the stifling “Royal” situation surrounding Napoleon.
If Josephine can’t be around Napoleon anymore and Hortense can, then Josephine wants at least the equivalent of whatever her Eugène gives Hortense.
Dear Eugène,
Paris, 23 of February, 1810,
I wrote to you a few days ago, as well as to your wife, my dear Eugène. I'm waiting for your news impatiently. I still have a very sad heart. The Emperor is at Rambouillet. The Queen of Holland (Josephine calls Hortense by her title, not her name) accompanied him. I remain alone and this isolation increases my melancholy. I had a fire at home the day before yesterday in the apartment you occupied, the one near your bedroom. It seems that before your departure it was already there, and I am no longer astonished at the smoke about which you complained. It undermined a beam which was crossing the chimney. Everything in the apartment was consumed.
Happily this accident happened during the day and very early in the morning. I only found out about it when everything was over. Your valet has a a very serious illness. I have ordered that he receive the greatest care, but he will not be able to leave till until 8 days have passed. It would be a fifteen day trip after that and at that time you would be just returning. I gave him the order to wait for you here. I was asked to recommend to you the grandson of M. d'Espagnac, former governor of the Invalides. He is in Milan at this moment. I do not know what he wants, but I'm interested in his family. Farewell, my dear son, come back to me with your family. Their presence and your tenderness are very necessary to me. I kiss Auguste and my young girls.
JOSEPHINE.
PS I would be pleased If you would send me gold beads like the ones you gave to Hortense and in the same quantity.
The Napoleon Saga is here.