# XXX: Preparing the Ground explained — Lady Audley’s Secret

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

## What happens

Lady Audley returns from Chelmsford and speaks with Sir Michael about Robert Audley's visit. She manipulates her husband into believing Robert is mentally unstable, suggesting that Robert's talk about George Talboys's disappearance is a delusion. Sir Michael, trusting his wife, agrees to avoid Robert and consult a London physician, while Lady Audley feels triumphant in her manipulation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

Lady Audley deliberately deceives Sir Michael about Robert's intentions and her own involvement in George's disappearance.

### Gender and Power

Lady Audley uses her perceived feminine weakness and charm to gain power over Sir Michael, controlling his actions and perceptions.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Lady Audley appears frightened and innocent while secretly plotting to undermine Robert's credibility.

## Character check-ins

### Lady Audley

Manipulates Sir Michael by feigning fear and embarrassment, twisting Robert's words to paint him as mad.

### Sir Michael Audley

Easily swayed by his wife's performance, he agrees to avoid Robert and consult a physician.

### Robert Audley

Discussed as having spoken wildly about George Talboys; Lady Audley portrays him as mentally unstable.

## Key lines

> I have been afraid of you, Mr. Robert Audley; but perhaps the time may come in which you will have cause to be afraid of me.

Lady Audley thinks she has been scared of Robert, but now she believes she can turn the tables and make him fear her.

_Reveals Lady Audley's shift from fear to confidence in her ability to manipulate._

> It is coming—it is coming; I can twist him which way I like. I can put black before him, and if I say it is white, he will believe me.

She feels she can control Sir Michael completely, making him believe anything she says.

_Highlights Lady Audley's manipulative power over her husband._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxx-preparing-the-ground
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters