# VI: Anywhere, Anywhere Out of the World explained — Lady Audley’s Secret

> Chapter companion for Lady Audley’s Secret by M. E. Braddon.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/vi-anywhere-anywhere-out-of-the-world
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters