War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

Les Nôtres (Bilibin's clique of diplomats) were happy to open their group to Andrei and they all chatted in Bilibin’s study. However, Andrei quickly took his leave for the royal reception. Emperor Francis met various officials en masse but later Andrei received a more private audience. Francis asked Andrei banal questions such as: How long was it since Andrei left the field? How was Kutuzov? and..At what time was General Schmiddt killed? Francis spoke as if it was his aim to ask questions...with the answers meaning very little.Francis II presented Andrei with an award – Admission to the Maria Theresa Order of the 3rd Class.  Andrei was soon surrounded by elites and received the attention he previously yearned for. He was now conflicted, coming to resent the splendor while men like Napoleon and Murat were in the field making a difference. As Andrei walked back to Bilibin’s quarters after the ceremony, the dynamic changed when he observed his friend's coachman furiously packing.  Bilibin relayed that Na