Christine Boyer, Lucien’s 1st wife was the sister of his housekeeper..

… They quietly married in 1800 despite Napoleon’s wishes.  She was well liked, but Napoleon plotted to have Lucien leave her so that he could make a political tie.

The growing conflict between the brothers developed into a real anti-Napoleonic movement.  When Napoleon came after them, the family – now with 4 children – fled to the United States to hide.

(portraits: Christine Boyer and Lucien in 1800)