Josephine in the beginning didn't care that much of Napoleon, indeed arranged by Barras and the marriage provided her with (financial) security. Napoleon was in love, though Josephine cheated on him while he was on his militairy campaigns in Italy. Slowly the tables turned, Josephine was the one desperate for Napoleons attention (I am not sure how much that was for her actual affection of Napoleon and how much of it was to secure her position) while Napoleon started looking elsewhere. He was rather pleased with empress Marie-Louise for example, but he had other mistresses before.
|