War and Peace Volume 1 Book 3 Chapter 1

In which Prince Vasíli, a man whose schemes arise naturally from his circumstances rather than careful calculation, manoeuvres to bind the newly wealthy Pierre Bezúkhov closer to his family, while Pierre finds himself swept into a tide of social obligations and affections he scarcely understands. Amidst the gaiety and expectation of Petersburg society, Pierre becomes aware, with a mingling of wonder and unease, of a new and intimate connection with the beautiful and enigmatic Hélène.