CHAPTER FOURNapoleon was shaving.
Most men entrusted this operation to a valet or a barber, but Napoleon always shaved himself.
Rustam, his Mameluke bodyguard held a looking glass while Napoleon lathered his face with soap scented with herbs, then using a razor that had been immersed in hot water he shaved with downward movements.
He always bought his razors with mother-of-pearl handles from England because Birmingham steel was superior to the French.
During the Armistice he had purchased some new ones and he thought with satisfaction how closely they removed any sign of a beard.
He had already spent an hour in his bath as his mother had brought up all her children to be very particular about personal cleanliness.
After his bath Napoleon had washed his hands with almond paste and his
