Meantime Petersburg society speaks contemptuously of the crackbrained Bezuhov, regarding poor Ellen as the victim of an eccentric spouse. At one of Anna Pavlovna's soirees, Boris Drubetskoy, now an adjutant in the suite of a high-ranking official and just returned from an important commission in Prussia, becomes friends with Ellen Bezuhov and often visits her.
With war approaching Russia's borders in the early part of 1807, life at Bleak Hills undergoes changes. The old prince, grown stronger since Andrey's return, is one of the commanders-in-chief appointed to equip the militia and, thus, he is often away touring the three provinces under his command. This frees Princess Marya from her lessons and she devotes most of her time to the baby, little Prince Nikolay. Prince Andrey lives in retirement at his estate in Bogutcharovo, about 30 miles from Bleak Hills. He receives his news through letters from his father and Bilibin. Reporting of Bermigsen's victory over Napoleon at Eylau, his father writes, If a German can beat him, then we will find it easy to do the same if people don't meddle who've no business to meddle. He is referring to the political intrigue that cuts down the efficiency of the military; describing this area is Bilibin's forte. With characteristic irony, the diplomat writes that the whole joke of the war is that nothing is accomplished other than the pillaging of the Prussian countryside as the poorly equipped troops freeload off the inhabitants. But Andrey has little interest in military crises. At this time he is entirely absorbed awaiting his sick child to pass safely through a fever crisis.
Pierre, meanwhile, makes his"good works" tour through the Kiev province where most of his peasants live. He orders hospitals and churches and schools to be built, but has no idea that these"benefits" only add to the already oppressive burdens of the peasants. Moreover, his lack of business sense allows his crafty steward to cheat him at every turn and to misrepresent the actual conditions on his estates. Pierre believes he has done wonders to improve his serfs' lives and in this happy frame of mind, pays Prince Andrey a visit.
