Anna Drubestkoya is able to borrow a horse and carriage from the Rostovs to head to Count Bezukhov’s mansion, where the Count is said to be on his deathbed.  Anna relays her plan to her son – to delicately ask Count Bezukhov for some financing…..in the Count's last moments. Humbly asking for money was surely as uncomfortable then as it is now. 

Anna tells her son, who is embarrassed about asking for a hand-out: This is about your future, not mine, so don’t let pride get in the way. She realizes she needs 500 rubles to get her son outfitted and supplied to join the prestigious Imperial Guards. 

They arrive at the extravagant estate. Anna scurries passed the porter and gets in the vestibule. The staff tells her the Count is not taking visitors due to his health. She then asks to speak to Vasili Kuragin. He is a relation of Count Bezukhov, through his wife, and since Count Bezukhov doesn’t appear to have any legitimate children, Vasili is near the front of the line to inherit. Three nieces, labeled “princesses” are also staying at the mansion and are in a similar position. Boris is the Count’s godson, so he may also warrant minor consideration at least in relation to money needed to join the Guards. Lastly, Pierre, is taking up one of the many spare rooms at this solemn time. The potential distributees are in one place, and eyes are on the prize. 

Prince Vasili comes to speak to Anna and relays how poorly the Count is doing. Anna insists she be one of the patient’s nurses/caregivers. This would involve cleansing the Count for Last Rites. She puts on a bit of a show in effort to keep herself in the inner circle and announces that although the duties of a Christian are onerous, she is there to fulfill them. Vasili is trying to get rid of her. One of Count Bezukhov's nieces complains of the stir Anna is causing and that it is disturbing the Count. Anna has entrenched herself for what are likely the Count's final moments. She tells her son to go meet with Pierre and convey Ilya Rostov’s invitation to dinner.