In November 1813, at the invitation of Zhukovsky, his friend Alexander Voeykov (1779-1839) arrived in Muratovo. Despite his outward unattractiveness, Voeikov made an impression on Ekaterina Afanasyevna and especially on Alexandra Andreevna. A participant in the Patriotic War, he told fascinating stories and had a mocking mindset. Seeing the lovely 18-year-old Alexandra whom Vigel compared with Sylphide and Undine, the writer (he was already thirty-five by this time), wooed her. Zhukovsky also supported this marriage. Long in love with Maria Protasova, the poet hoped for Voeikov's help in receiving blessings from the girls' mother. Alexandra's older sister also persuaded her to marry Voeikov.