Prince Vassily and Katerina are ready to make their move to deprive Pierre of his inheritance. First, Vassily wishes to get Anna and Pierre out of the way so the Count's will can be promptly destroyed. Therefore, Vassily invites them to take some tea or a slight snack via the spread set out for well-wishers.  Pierre is escorted to the tea area by one of the Count’s nieces and Anna goes as well but remains close enough to keep track of the saboteurs. 

At some point, Katerina gets up and walks toward the Count’s bedroom. She has the secured critical papers in her hand, which Anna recognizes are the Count’s testamentary documents awarding Pierre his fortune. In a bold move, Anna blocks Katerina’s way, as Anna realizes there will be an attempt to destroy the papers. Vassily, with mock-politeness, begs Anna to let Katerina pass.

Voices are raised as Katerina argues with Anna, who stands her ground. A struggle ensues with the women tugging at the folder in public view during the most solemn of moments. They are too “in-the-moment” to care as they fly around the room in a comical scene.

Vassily approaches and with all the authority he can muster, directs them both to release the documents. Katerina does but Anna holds fast. Vassily can only threaten that Anna will answer for her disgraceful actions. Katerina then screams, “You vile woman,” and appears to successfully snatch the folder but fate intervenes - namely, an announcement that the Count's death is imminent. The opulent door to the Count's bedroom opened abruptly, which was a signal the moment had come.  This caused Katerina to lose her strength and she dropped the portfolio. Anna scooped it up and ran in the room and quickly learned the Count had died. With the death, there would be no further violence and the matter of succession was effectively decided.

Katerina left the room and relayed to Pierre, in angry tone, “Yes, now you can rejoice. This is what you have been waiting for.” Vassily went over to Pierre and relayed heartfelt condolences.

Anna was the last to come out, approached Pierre and told him, “He is no more.” She later escorted Pierre to a dark drawing room, so he could be alone and rest.  She got him up the next day and lectured him that he will be in command of a great fortune. She thinks it will not change his character, but will impose new duties.

Anna then makes her play, explaining how the Count promised her, the day before yesterday, not to forget Boris. She hopes that Pierre will honor his father’s “wishes.” The Count would have been too sick to relay any such message, but helping Boris is a tiny price to Anna for the inheritance she ensured remained with Pierre. The new Count Bezukhov did not take in any of this, he just sort of stared in response.

Anna however, relayed what happened to all of Moscow. She described the Count’s end as affecting and edifying and that the last moments between father and son were transcendent.  This is the death of an old order with a new one on the horizon, personified by Pierre.