After Prince Vassily gets Boris Drubetskoy his commission in the Guards, Anna Mihalovna returns triumphant to Moscow, where she lives with the Rostovs, her rich relatives who have supported Boris and educated him with their children. Countess Rostov and her daughter — who both have the name Natalya — are celebrating their name-day at this time. The guests: are busy gossiping about Pierre Bezuhov's scandalous conduct during the drinking party in Petersburg even while his poor old father lies on his deathbed. They also wonder whether Prince Vassily, the old man's nearest legal relative, or Pierre will inherit the immense fortune.
Suddenly the children invade the drawing room, led by the irrepressible 13-year-old Natasha. Boris Drubetskoy and Nikolay Rostov follow her, with 16-year-old Sonya (the Rostov's niece who lives with them) and Petya Rostov, the youngest child. The children's gaiety and high spirits are in vivid contrast with the small talk of the adults.
The dark-haired Sonya, with the shyness and softness of a half-grown kitten, loves Nikolay and is jealous when he flirts with Julie Karagin. Nikolay swears he loves only Sonya. Natasha and Boris are also in love, and they promise to marry each other when she is older.
Dinner is held up until Marya Dmitryevna Ahrosimov arrives. Known for her frankness as le terrible dragon, the old lady has won the respect and fear of Moscow and Petersburg society. She congratulates her goddaughter and the countess and turns to scold Pierre for his behavior with the police officer.
