Back in Petersburg, Anna Pavlovna's circle is talking of Helene Bezuhov, who has missed several social events in a row and is said to be very ill. Helene dies quite suddenly of the illness that had been so amusing to talk about. Some stick to the illness theory, but others talk of a drug overdose. The abandoning of Moscow, however, overshadows news of Helene's death. Nine days after the abandonment of Moscow, a courier from Kutuzov finally arrives in Petersburg to inform the Tsar of the surrender. The messenger tells Alexander that the soldiers are burning to fight, which is exactly what Alexander wants to hear. Nikolai attends a ball in the country and impresses everyone with his dancing, friendliness, and handsome appearance. Nikolai spends the evening flirting with a married.....
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