Lady Audley’s Secret · Chapter
VI: Anywhere, Anywhere Out of the World explained
George Talboys, devastated by his wife's death, arranges for his son Georgey's future and resolves to return to Australia.
What happens
George Talboys, devastated by his wife's death, arranges for his son Georgey's future and resolves to return to Australia. Robert Audley convinces him to delay his departure and join a trip to St. Petersburg instead. The chapter reveals George's grief, his strained relationship with his father-in-law Mr. Maldon, and Alicia Audley's letter mentioning Lady Audley.
Themes in this chapter
Grief and Loss
George's overwhelming sorrow and desire to escape England after his wife's death dominate the chapter.
Secrecy and Deception
Mr. Maldon's nervous behavior and the unanswered questions about Helen's illness hint at hidden truths.
Characters to notice
- George Talboys
Grief-stricken after his wife's death, he plans to return to Australia and entrusts his son's guardianship to Robert Audley.
- Robert Audley
Acts as a supportive friend, agrees to be guardian of Georgey, and persuades George to join a trip to St. Petersburg.
- Mr. Maldon
George's father-in-law, appears shabby and nervous, with a hint of fear toward George; he cares for Georgey.
- Georgey
George's young son, initially does not recognize his father and is attached to his grandfather.
- Alicia Audley
Writes a letter to Robert mentioning her dislike of Lady Audley and requesting sables from St. Petersburg.
Key passages
“I shall sail in the very next vessel that leaves Liverpool for Australia. I shall be better in the diggings or the backwoods than ever I could be here. I'm broken for a civilized life from this hour, Bob.”
George declares his intention to leave England immediately for Australia, feeling that he can no longer live a normal life after his wife's death.
This quote captures George's despair and his desire to escape his grief by returning to the rough life of the colonies.
“To think that two nights ago, at this time, I was steaming into Liverpool, full of the hope of clasping her to my heart, and tonight I am going away from her grave!”
George reflects on the cruel irony that just two days earlier he had arrived in England full of hope to reunite with his wife, only to now be leaving her grave.
This highlights the dramatic reversal of fortune and the depth of George's emotional pain.