When Mothers Make Excuses for Bad Men — War and Peace

Rostóv's share in Dólokhov's duel with Bezúkhov is hushed up by the old count's efforts. Instead of being degraded to the ranks as he expected, he is appointed adjutant to the governor general of Moscow. He cannot go to the country with the family and is kept all summer by the new duties. Dólokhov recovers, and during the convalescence they become very friendly. Dólokhov lies ill at his mother's; she loves him passionately, and old Mary Ivánovna, fond of Rostóv for his friendship to her Fédya, often talks of her son. He is too noble and pure-souled for a depraved world; no one now loves virtue, it seems a reproach. Was it right, was it honourable, of Bezúkhov? Fédya, with his noble spirit, never says a word against him. Those Petersburg pranks with the policeman they did together; Bezúkhov got off, Fédya bore the burden. He has been reinstated, as they could not fail to do for such a gallant son of the fatherland. And now this duel: an only son, shot at so straight, and for what? Who does not have intrigues nowadays? If Pierre was jealous he should have shown it sooner, not waited months, then called him out reckoning Fédya would not fight because he owed money. What meanness. Few people understand him; that is why she is so fond of the count. He is such a lofty, heavenly soul.

Dólokhov himself, during convalescence, speaks as no one would have expected. People consider him a bad man; let them. He does not care a straw about anyone but those he loves, and those he would give his life for; the others he would throttle if they stood in his way. An adored mother, two or three friends, Rostóv among them; as for the rest, only whether they are harmful or useful, and most are harmful, especially the women. He has met loving, high-minded men, but not yet a woman, countess or cook, who was not venal. If he found that divine purity he would give his life for her. If he still values his life it is only in hope of meeting such a creature, who will regenerate and elevate him. "You don't understand." "Oh yes, I quite understand," says Rostóv, under his new friend's influence.

In the autumn the Rostóvs return to Moscow. Early in winter Denísov stays with them. The first half of the winter of 1806 is one of the happiest times for Nicholas and the whole family. He brings many young men home. Véra is a handsome twenty; Sónya sixteen, an opening flower; Natásha half grown, half child. An amorous atmosphere prevails: impressionable smiling faces, bursts of song, girls full of hope, and every visitor shares a readiness to fall in love. Among the first Nicholas introduces is Dólokhov, whom everyone likes except Natásha. She almost quarrels with her brother: he is a bad man, Pierre was right in the duel, everything with this one is calculated. She likes Denísov, rake though he is; she does understand. Nicholas implies even Denísov is nothing compared to Dólokhov: she should see him with his mother, what a heart. Natásha is uncomfortable with him, and she is certain he has fallen in love with Sónya. The prediction proves true. Dólokhov, who does not usually care for ladies' society, comes often, dines, never misses a performance they attend, goes to Iogel's balls, and looks at Sónya so that she cannot bear his glances without colouring, and even the countess and Natásha blush. This strange, strong man is under the influence of the dark, graceful girl who loves another. Rostóv notices something new but tells himself they are always in love with someone. He is less at ease and less frequently at home. In the autumn of 1806 war with Napoleon is talked of with even greater warmth. Recruits are raised, ten in every thousand for the regular army, nine for the militia. Bonaparte is anathematized. For the Rostóvs the interest is that Nicholas will not remain in Moscow and only awaits the end of Denísov's furlough after Christmas to rejoin the regiment. The approaching departure does not prevent his amusing himself; it gives zest. He spends most of his time away, at dinners, parties, and balls.