Volume 3: Book 15 - Chapter 13

Characters Present:


Pierre Bezukhov
The Princess (?)
Count Willarski

Location: 

Orël


The people around Pierre notice the change in him, and find him more likeable.  He has long conversations with Willarski, though, does not speak very much, as opposed to letting Willarski speak upon all manner of things.

He lost quite a lot of money and real estate in the sacking of Moscow, and his wife is in a lot of debt.  His head steward suggests that if he ignores the debts, and doesn't rebuild, he would save almost three-quarters of his income. 

Pierre agrees, but upon requests from Prince Vasilí to pay his daughters debts, Pierre decides that the best path is to pay them, and to rebuild his houses in Moscow.  

Volume 3: Book 12 - Chapter 1

Characters Present:

Anna Pávlovna
Bilíbin
Prince Vasilí Kurágin
others

Location: 

A soiree at Anna Pávlovna's house, Petersburg


High society in Petersburg has carried on much as before, but with more tension than usual between some key social circles. 

Gossip ensues at Anna's house, including news that Countess Hélène Berzúkhova has angina, due to the stress of having two husbands.

It is the Emperor's birthday on the morrow, and Anna has received an invitation. 

Volume 3: Book 11 - Chapter 7

Characters Present:

Countess Hélène Berzúkhova
Marya Dmítrievna Akhrosimova
Prince Vasilí
Bilíbin
Princess Kurágina (Hélène's mother) 

Location:

Petersburg

Hélène wants to distract society gossip from the fact that she already has a husband, so puts emphasis on the problem of having to choose between two suitors.

Marya tells her at a social function that the same (having two affairs, plus a husband) is already done in brothels, but Marya does not carry much social influence in Petersburg, so nobody pays much attention.

Prince Vasilí says that she should make up her own mind, and Bilíbin, Hélèn's friend, suggests that she marry the old count first, so that when he dies, she will get his money, and then she can marry the young Spanish prince.

Hélèn's mother worries that she won't be able to get a divorce, because of the bible.

Hèléne writes a letter to Pierre at his home, even though he is still at Borodíno, asking for a divorce.