Lady Audley’s Secret · Chapter
XXIX: In the Lime-Walk explained
Robert Audley confronts Lady Audley in the lime-walk, accusing her of conspiring to fake Helen Talboys' death and of being involved in George Talboys' disappearance.
What happens
Robert Audley confronts Lady Audley in the lime-walk, accusing her of conspiring to fake Helen Talboys' death and of being involved in George Talboys' disappearance. Lady Audley defiantly denies the charges and threatens Robert, leading to a tense standoff. Meanwhile, Alicia Audley observes Robert's agitation and misinterprets it as romantic interest in her stepmother.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Deception
Lady Audley's hidden past and the false announcement of Helen Talboys' death are central to the confrontation.
Madness and Insanity
Robert fears Lady Audley's potential madness, and she accuses him of monomania, blurring the line between sanity and obsession.
Gender and Power
The duel between Robert and Lady Audley highlights gendered struggles for control, with Robert fearing her 'hellish power of dissimulation.'
Characters to notice
- Robert Audley
Confronts Lady Audley in the lime-walk, accusing her of conspiracy and murder; reflects on the danger she poses.
- Lady Audley
Defiantly faces Robert's accusations, threatens him, and reveals her desperation and potential madness.
- Alicia Audley
Observes Robert's pallor and misinterprets his distress as love for Lady Audley; retreats to the stables.
- George Talboys
Referenced as the missing friend whose disappearance Robert is investigating; his story is recounted.
- Clara Talboys
Robert recalls her pale, earnest face as a contrast to Lady Audley's beauty, motivating him to pursue the truth.
Key passages
“What if this woman’s hellish power of dissimulation should be stronger than the truth, and crush him?”
Robert fears that Lady Audley's deceitful abilities might overpower the truth and destroy him.
Reflects Robert's anxiety about Lady Audley's manipulative nature.
“I will kill you first. Why have you tormented me so? Why could you not let me alone?”
Lady Audley threatens to kill Robert, expressing her desperation and resentment at his persecution.
Shows Lady Audley's violent reaction to being cornered.
“I now believe that that announcement was a black and bitter lie.”
Robert now thinks the newspaper notice of Helen Talboys' death was a deliberate falsehood.
Key moment in Robert's accusation of conspiracy.