Pierre is sleeping in the back of an open coach while being pulled by horses to his father’s magnificent estate. Count Bezukhov is incapacitated and his wishes were that Pierre takes his estate. However, Pierre has little idea of this intention. The Count drew up papers to “legitimize” Pierre, however, they were never delivered to the proper authorities nor signed off by Emperor Alexander. Prince Vassily Kuragin has been plotting to subvert the will of the Count and in the previous chapter he learned the testamentary papers are in the folio kept under the Count’s pillow. He had been speaking with Katerina “Katishe” Mamontova (the Count’s niece) about what could be done to retrieve and destroy the documents.
Pierre is fortunate to have an able wingman, Princess Anna Drubestskaya, who has a sense of the oncoming struggle over succession. Many in Moscow high society also are aware of the favor the Count held Pierre in. Anna escorts Pierre inside the mansion through a rear entrance. She senses Pierre’s meekness and encourages him to “be a man” and face that there are expectations of him. She also informs him that she will look out for Pierre’s “interests.” Pierre appears overwhelmed by the gravity of the occasion. He wanted to head to his regular quarters and hide out but Anna steered him towards where the Count was resting.
They reach the apartment area were the Count’s nieces (or “princesses”) were living. As they walked by, they notice Katerina and Prince Vassily speaking to one another inside one of the rooms. No words are exchanged but Katerina briskly got up and slammed the door. This is a breach of decorum. Anna expected such a reaction and is unmoved in her purpose of helping Pierre.
Pierre and Anna reach the crowded reception room. It is filled with aristocratic friends, dignitaries, and other prominent community members. The room is described as having two huge Italian windows and a bust and portrait of Catherine the Great. Anna introduces Pierre to some of the priests, then temporarily leaves. Those who notice Pierre enter see him in a new light. He is no longer the buffoonish bastard and there are murmurs that he could become the next Count. Pierre is not used to being treated with deference and it unnerves him. A woman even offers him her seat, which he takes and sits quietly with his hands on his knees. He came to the realization that he better listen to Anna’s guidance. He also readied himself mentally for the Orthodox religious rituals due his father.
Prince Vasilly comes up to Pierre and tell him to have courage. (In French: Courage, Courage mon ami) They briefly discuss the Count’s grim condition and that the Count previously indicated he wanted to see Pierre. Then a group of well-wishers, which includes servants, priests, doctors, and family approach the inner sanctum of the mansion -- where the Count is. After a few steps, Anna rejoined Pierre, grabbed his arm and made sure she stayed attached to him.