BOOK 4, Chptr. 1, P&V pg. 297

Book 4, Chapter 1

Nicholas and Denísov obtain a leave and visit the Rostóvs. Nicholas is told he shouldn’t feel bound to Sónya by his juvenile promise.

Summary:

Early in 1806, Nicholas returns home on leave, accompanied by his friend Denísov. Seeing Nicholas, everyone is completely overcome by emotion. There are many kisses and tears of joy in the loving family. Denísov is also warmly welcomed. In the morning, arising late, Natásha takes the first opportunity to tell Nicholas that she and Sónya don’t think Nicholas should feel bound to marry Sónya. The two are still very much in love, but Sónya says “I shall love him always, but let him be free.” Thinking it over, Nicholas agrees. A little later Tolstoy mentions that the old countess had been dreading a love affair between Nicholas and Sónya as it might hinder Nicholas from making a brilliant match.

quote from the chapter:

Natásha suddenly flushed.
Why, you remember before you went away?… Well, she says you are to forget all that…. She says: ‘I shall love him always, but let him be free.’ Isn’t that lovely and noble! Yes, very noble? Isn’t it? asked Natásha, so seriously and excitedly that it was evident that what she was now saying she had talked of before, with tears.
Rostóv became thoughtful.
I never go back on my word, he said. Besides, Sónya is so charming that only a fool would renounce such happiness.
No, no! cried Natásha, she and I have already talked it over. We knew you’d say so. But it won’t do, because you see, if you say that-if you consider yourself bound by your promise-it will seem as if she had not meant it seriously. It makes it as if you were marrying her because you must, and that wouldn’t do at all.

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