The reception is full swing. As Tolstoy says, "The spindles hummed steadily and ceaselessly on all sides." The patrons settle into a number of groups and discuss how an alliance is needed to stop Napoleon and that Russia should be at the head of it. The beautiful Hélène gets a chance to walk between the groups and turn every head. A French expatriate, the Vicomte de Mortemart, told a tale about Napoleon ordering the killing a rival. The Vicomte explained that it was a romantic rival, but historically it was a political rival from France who was generally regarded as a threat to the Republic. 

Prince Andrei Bolkonsky arrives and is not happy to see high society, nor his pretty wife, who is pregnant.  He announces he will be heading to War as an aide-de-camp to General Kutuzov.  Andrei is happy, however, to see old friend Pierre Bezukhov. The two agree to break bread after the event. Both acknowledge the loveliness of Hélène.