Lady Audley’s Secret · Chapter
IX: After the Storm explained
The chapter opens with Lady Audley returning from a walk and learning that George Talboys has been asking for her and Sir Michael.
What happens
The chapter opens with Lady Audley returning from a walk and learning that George Talboys has been asking for her and Sir Michael. She dismisses Phoebe Marks after ordering her to remove George's glove from her boudoir. The storm that Sir Michael predicted arrives violently that night. Robert Audley remains calm, but George Talboys is deeply agitated, pacing in the rain and snapping at Robert before retiring. The next morning, George apologizes and suggests they spend the day fishing instead of visiting Audley Court. Meanwhile, Lady Audley, who was terrified by the storm, recovers by morning and cheerfully confronts Alicia about the secret passage and the glove left behind.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Lady Audley's terror during the storm contrasts sharply with her radiant, cheerful demeanor the next morning, highlighting the discrepancy between her inner state and outward presentation.
Secrecy and Deception
Lady Audley's urgent removal of George's glove and her playful interrogation about the secret passage hint at hidden truths and her efforts to conceal evidence.
Gender and Power
Lady Audley uses her perceived fragility and charm to manipulate Sir Michael, while her authority over Phoebe Marks demonstrates her domestic power.
Characters to notice
- Lady Audley
Returns from a walk, learns of George Talboys's visit, and orders Phoebe to remove his glove. Later, she is terrified by the storm but recovers by morning, appearing cheerful and playful.
- Phoebe Marks
Answers Lady Audley's bell and is ordered to remove the glove and other items; Lady Audley promises her a firm friend and a twenty-pound note.
- Robert Audley
Remains calm during the storm, reading and drinking punch. He tries to comfort George but is rebuffed. The next morning, he agrees to George's plan to fish instead of visiting the Court.
- George Talboys
Becomes extremely agitated during the storm, pacing in the rain and snapping at Robert. The next morning, he apologizes and suggests a day of fishing.
- Sir Michael Audley
Mistakenly predicts the storm will hold off; spends the night watching over his terrified wife and is relieved by her recovery in the morning.
- Alicia Audley
Is chided playfully by Lady Audley for allowing two men into her rooms and for the secret passage incident.
Key passages
“My lady, safely sheltered behind her stepdaughter, shook her yellow curls at the angry animal, and defied him maliciously.”
Lady Audley, protected by Alicia, taunted the dog with a spiteful shake of her head.
Shows Lady Audley's playful yet malicious nature.
“Phoebe Marks,' said my lady, throwing herself into an easy-chair, and trifling with the wild flowers in her lap, 'you are a good, industrious girl, and while I live and am prosperous, you shall never want a firm friend or a twenty-pound note.'”
Lady Audley promised Phoebe that as long as she was wealthy, Phoebe would have her support and money.
Reveals Lady Audley's transactional relationship with her maid.
“Robert Audley took the thunder and lightning with the same composure with which he accepted all the other ills of life.”
Robert faced the storm as calmly as he handled any other trouble.
Highlights Robert's characteristic indifference and laziness.
“She stood on tiptoe to kiss him, and then was only tall enough to reach his white beard.”
She had to stretch up to kiss him, barely reaching his beard.
Emphasizes the physical and age difference between Lady Audley and Sir Michael.
