Nicholas and Denísov obtain a leave and visit the Rostóvs. Nicholas is told he shouldn’t feel bound to Sónya by his juvenile promise.
Category: Book 04, P&V pgs. 297-346
Count Rostóv plans a large banquet to honor Bagratión. Nicholas lives the life of a young gentleman. Hélène and Dólokhov are rumored to be lovers.
The large, lavish banquet at the English Club in honor of Prince Bagratión and the attendees are described.
A minor discourtesy at the banquet causes Pierre, who has heard rumors of the affair between Hélène and Dólokhov, to suddenly challenge Dólokhov to a duel.
Pierre shoots Dólokhov in the duel and immediately regrets it.
Thinking he has killed Dólokhov, Pierre wonders how he has reached this point. He regrets marrying Hélène, she criticizes him, and they separate.
Prince Andrew has not been found and is presumed dead, his father and sister are very upset, but they do not tell his wife Lise.
Lise goes into labor. Andrew unexpectedly returns to Bald Hills.
The baby is born. Lise dies and is buried three days later.
While recovering from the duel, Dólokhov befriends Nicholas and visits the Rostóv’s frequently to be near Sónya.