Pierre fights a duel with Dolokhov. Astonished at the outcome, he tries to change his life for the better. Helene takes advantage of his absence to re-enter society and considers an exciting new relationship. Andrei, meanwhile, is depressed and full of remorse. On his father's advice, he builds a house in the country where he shuts himself away - until an unexpected encounter offers him a second chance at life. At the Rostov house in Moscow, the count is struggling to rein in his spending. Natasha is surprised by the advances of an unexpected suitor and wonders whether she will ever find true love. Sonya is also faced with a proposal, while Nikolai lets an untrustworthy friend lead him down a dangerous path. He looks forward to going back to the army - but when a peace treaty is signed with Napoleon, forging an alliance between the Russians and the French, his future looks less secure.