Lady Audley’s Secret · Chapter
At the Castle Inn explained
Robert Audley stays at the Castle Inn in Mount Stanning, where he observes Phoebe Marks's composed demeanor and suspects she can keep a secret.
What happens
Robert Audley stays at the Castle Inn in Mount Stanning, where he observes Phoebe Marks's composed demeanor and suspects she can keep a secret. He questions her about Lady Audley's past as Miss Lucy Graham. Meanwhile, Phoebe secretly sends a note to Lady Audley warning her of Robert's presence. Robert later engages Luke Marks in conversation, hinting at the power Phoebe holds over Lady Audley.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Phoebe secretly sends a note to Lady Audley to warn her of Robert's presence, and Robert suspects Phoebe can keep a secret.
Appearance vs. Reality
Phoebe's refined demeanor contrasts with her husband's boorishness and the inn's shabby condition.
Characters to notice
- Robert Audley
Stays at the Castle Inn, questions Phoebe about Lady Audley's past, and hints at the power she holds over Lady Audley.
- Phoebe Marks
Serves Robert tea, sends a warning note to Lady Audley, and shows anxiety about Robert's inquiries.
- Luke Marks
Complains about Mount Stanning and argues with Phoebe about the brew-house door.
- Lady Audley
Mentioned as the recipient of Phoebe's secret note and as the former Miss Lucy Graham.
Key passages
“This woman would be good in a witness-box; it would take a clever lawyer to bother her in a cross-examination.”
Robert thinks Phoebe would be a reliable witness because she is composed and hard to confuse.
Robert's internal assessment of Phoebe's character.
“If there's any bad meaning in his coming here, my lady will know of it in time, at any rate.”
Phoebe hopes her warning note will reach Lady Audley if Robert's visit is threatening.
Phoebe's motivation for sending the note.