Before the Rostov dinner, the men get together to talk politics and smoke cigars. We get a look at Count Rostov’s personality among the boys. He earns a cheap thrill in getting his intimates to debate the issues of the day. Seated next to him are Shinshin (Pyotr Nikolaitch) and Lt. Alphonse Berg. Both think they are quite charming. 

Shinshin is described as on old bachelor with a sallow complexion who tries to look much younger and dresses in the height of fashion. He is a relative of Countess Rostova. Berg is talking about how he plans to profit off his position in the Army and notes that with war on the horizon, he may merit a promotion if one of his superiors should be killed. He seems oblivious that he would be next in line to perish. Berg loves to talk about himself and is pursuing Vera Rostov, more for the connection than for any type of love for her. 

The political talk then centers on the Manifesto of War issued by Emperor Alexander, whereby Russia joined the Coalition against Napoleon. The Manifesto also focuses on recruitment efforts. The discussion is filled with the excitement inherent in gearing up for war and without the proper insight toward the human toll.

There is also a colonel at the Rostov home, who, like Berg, is ethnically German. He will later accompany Nikolai to his assignment. This brings up how there are a good number of ethnic Germans serving in the Russian Army. Many are prone to think of the two countries as historic rivals given the hellish years of WWII. However, there was once a significant level of immigration from German lands to Russia. Further, a number of the Czars were of Germanic ethnicity.  Catherine the Great is an example.

Those from Germanic lands were historically on the move because of the persistent wars, often between Catholics and Protestants. Some went to the New World. Others answered recruitment calls by the Czars and aristocracy, who appealed for both highly skilled and agricultural workers. The Czars spearheaded land grants, tax exemptions and exceptions form military service. There were Germantowns (think Chinatowns in San Francisco or New York) and within a few generations many became patriotically Russian. Instead of seeking exceptions, many were eager to support Russia's military efforts. Some settled in lands now part of Ukraine and developed a preference for Ukrainian culture. Many settled along the Volga – the longest river in Europe which flows into the Caspian Sea.  Additionally, Russia adopted the Prussian system for organization of their army and various aspects of government.  In short, don’t be surprised to see German influence throughout the novel.

Pierre arrives to the Rostov home and is in everybody’s way as they try to walk from the drawing room to the dining room for dinner. The procession moves two by two and the idea is to enter with pageantry.  They all sit at the magnificent table -- the men at one end and the women at the other. 

Fashionably late is Le Terrible Dragon, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova. She is an opinionated widow and has a level of societal influence. She is related to Countess Rostova and is young Natasha’s godmother. Instead of speaking French, she prefers Russian, which is sort of a rebellion to the aristocratic tongue.  She arrives with a birthday gift for Natasha, a pricey set of earrings. She calls Natasha her “little Cossack,” because of Natasha’s rough and tumble nature. In a humorous way, she shames Pierre for his riotous conduct in St. Petersburg.

The dinner is a sumptuous feast with multiple courses. Pierre seems to be enjoying the food the most and has indelicate table manners. He is paired off with Boris and greatly enjoys conversing with him. Nikolai is with Julie Karagin and this makes Sonya, who is devoted to Nikolai, quite jealous. Natasha is looking lovingly at Boris but she also displays an affinity for Pierre. 

This is a chapter often depicted in dramatic portrayals of War & Peace. The footmen, servants, hosts and guests reflect the aristocratic splendor of the Rostov household. It is one the last peaceful periods before the Napoleonic Wars upend their world.