The French are kept at bay by the Russian's after a marginal success at Schongrabern. Andrei and Nikolai soon come to a shocking realisation. The tsar heads to Russia, confident he will be able to leads the troops, but Kutuzov is convinced that Napoleon is setting a trap. Natasha and her family are desperately waiting for news. Prince Vasily decides to marry off his son.

Andrei's father is against him marrying Natasha. When the suggestion of a long engagement is made, Natasha is shocked and distracts herself at the country estate. She soon finds her love for Andrei tested. Rostova wants her son to marry into wealth and introduces him to a new candidate. Marya isn't impressed by her father's behaviour.