The Rostóvs arrive in Moscow and prepare to meet old Prince Bolkónski.
Summary:
Count Rostóv arrives in Moscow with Natásha and Sónya. Their estate there had to be sold, besides which they would introduce his future daughter-in-law to old Prince Bolkónski. They will be staying with Márya Dmítrievna, a family friend. Their hostess is very organized and helpful, and she takes control of the Rostóv’s visit to ensure it runs smoothly. In particular, in a private moment their hostess cautions Natásha that that old Prince Nicholas is crotchety and much dislikes his son’s marrying. Natásha she says, will have to be kind, and use her wits to get along well with him and with her future sister-in-law Mary. Natásha resents this intrusion into her private affairs, but says nothing.
quote from the chapter:
Well, now we’ll talk. I congratulate you on your betrothed. You’ve hooked a fine fellow! I am glad for your sake and I’ve known him since he was so high. She held her hand a couple of feet from the ground. Natásha blushed happily. I like him and all his family. Now listen! You know that old Prince Nicholas much dislikes his son’s marrying. The old fellow’s crotchety! Of course Prince Andrew is not a child and can shift without him, but it’s not nice to enter a family against a father’s will. One wants to do it peacefully and lovingly. You’re a clever girl and you’ll know how to manage. Be kind, and use your wits. Then all will be well.
Natásha remained silent, from shyness Márya Dmítrievna supposed, but really because she disliked anyone interfering in what touched her love of Prince Andrew, which seemed to her so apart from all human affairs that no one could understand it. She loved and knew Prince Andrew, he loved her only, and was to come one of these days and take her. She wanted nothing more.
Book 8, Chapter 6
The Rostóvs arrive in Moscow and prepare to meet old Prince Bolkónski.
Summary:
Count Rostóv arrives in Moscow with Natásha and Sónya. Their estate there had to be sold, besides which they would introduce his future daughter-in-law to old Prince Bolkónski. They will be staying with Márya Dmítrievna, a family friend. Their hostess is very organized and helpful, and she takes control of the Rostóv’s visit to ensure it runs smoothly. In particular, in a private moment their hostess cautions Natásha that that old Prince Nicholas is crotchety and much dislikes his son’s marrying. Natásha she says, will have to be kind, and use her wits to get along well with him and with her future sister-in-law Mary. Natásha resents this intrusion into her private affairs, but says nothing.
quote from the chapter:
Well, now we’ll talk. I congratulate you on your betrothed. You’ve hooked a fine fellow! I am glad for your sake and I’ve known him since he was so high. She held her hand a couple of feet from the ground. Natásha blushed happily. I like him and all his family. Now listen! You know that old Prince Nicholas much dislikes his son’s marrying. The old fellow’s crotchety! Of course Prince Andrew is not a child and can shift without him, but it’s not nice to enter a family against a father’s will. One wants to do it peacefully and lovingly. You’re a clever girl and you’ll know how to manage. Be kind, and use your wits. Then all will be well.
Natásha remained silent, from shyness Márya Dmítrievna supposed, but really because she disliked anyone interfering in what touched her love of Prince Andrew, which seemed to her so apart from all human affairs that no one could understand it. She loved and knew Prince Andrew, he loved her only, and was to come one of these days and take her. She wanted nothing more.
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