Once the plan to abduct Natásha is in place, Dólokhov tries to get Anatole to reconsider.
The elopement plot is foiled.
In the aftermath of the failed elopement plot, Márya Dmítrievna is livid with Natásha, but hopes to keep the matter a secret from Count Rostóv.
Fearing a duel, Márya reaches out to Pierre for help. Pierre tells her about Anatole’s prior marriage.
Pierre finds Anatole at Hélène’s soriee and, after Pierre’s initial rage passes, convinces Anatole to leave Moscow.
Natásha attempts suicide. Natásha’s rejection of Prince Andrew has left his family feeling contempt for the Rostóvs.
Pierre’s sympathy for Natásha evokes an expression of tenderness to her which both she and he find deeply moving.
Essay: Is the cause of the 1812 French Invasion of Russia knowable?
Napoleon begins his westward advance by crossing the Nieman river.
News of Napoleon’s army advancing towards Russia reaches the Russian Emperor, who was unprepared for war.