People today often second guess Kutúzov’s decision to allow the French into Moscow. But, at the time, it was probably his best practical option.
At an impromptu gathering, Kutúzov hears everyone’s opinions but decides he now has no option but to abandon Moscow to the French. He can’t believe it has come to this.
That evening at a formal Council of War attended by the Russian generals, Kutúzov rejects Bennigsen’s proposal for a flanking attack the next day and orders the retreat of the army.
Rather than to live under French rule, the patriotic citizens of Moscow preferred to evacuate and burn their city.
Hélène receives an offer of marriage from one of her Petersburg lovers, and decides to convert to Catholicism so that her prior marriage with Pierre can be annulled.
Hélène makes sure all Petersburg society knows she plans to marry one or the other of her two lovers, so that the Catholic Church will be less reluctant to go along. Few question her plan.
While walking back to the inn, Pierre meets three soldiers who share their humble food with him and accompany him on the long walk to the town.
Pierre dreams he hears his deceased masonic teacher, and other dreams that night. Next day he learns Prince Andrew and Anatole are dead.
Upon returning to Moscow, Pierre is called to the office of the governor.
Rostopchín questions Pierre’s masonic connections, and asks Pierre to leave the city. Pierre learns Hélène wants a divorce. Pierre goes away, where to no one knows.