Natásha and Mary fall into a profound state of grief after Prince Andrew dies. In a few weeks Mary has to leave for Moscow, but the grieving Natásha won’t accompany her. News of Pétya arrives.
Category: Book 15, P&V pgs. 1075-1125
Learning of her son Pétya’s death, Countess Rostóv becomes delirious. Natásha sits with her mother for three days. Caring for her mother helps pull Natásha out of her own despair.
Natásha continued caring for her mother. For Natásha, this begins a healing process which would eventually reach completion. But the Countess will never be the same. Natásha and Princess Mary developed a deep personal bond.
From Vyázma through the battle at Krásnoe, very rapid troop movement caused great attrition to both armies. The Russians were victorious at Krásnoe, although Kutúzov would have preferred they had not fought.
Kutúzov was one of those rare individuals able to discern the will of Providence and to unreservedly submit their personal will to it. Yet, Russian historians remember him as a blunderer, coward, courtier and procrastinator.
On the first day of what is called the battle of Krásnoe, Kutúzov observes the sorry state of their many French prisoners. He tells the Russian troops that the war’s end is near and that they should deal kindly with the French prisoners.
An infantry regiment halts in a village on the high road to set up camp for the night. It’s the night of the last day of Krásnoe battles. The men are in good spirits and work in teams to get ready their camp for the night.
The men of the Eight Company are gathered around a campfire. Those who were still in the army by this time were only the most fit of the troops. They talk about their experiences and joke as they sat around the fire.
A very ill French officer and his orderly, who have both been hiding in the forest, approach one of the Russian campfires. The Russians show kindness, giving them both food and finding for the unwell officer an indoor place to sleep.
The Emperor tells Kutúzov of his dissatisfaction at mistakes made at Krásnoe and the Berëzina, and his intention to pursue Napoleon beyond Russia. Kutúzov receives the Order of St. George of the First Class.