# The Hush That Succeeds the Tempest explained — Lady Audley’s Secret

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

## What happens

In the aftermath of Lady Audley's confession, Sir Michael Audley, devastated by the revelation of his wife's deceit, leaves Audley Court in a state of icy calm. Robert Audley, burdened with guilt and responsibility, instructs Alicia to care for her father and arranges for Lady Audley to be confined to her room. He then sends a message to a London physician experienced in cases of mania, preparing for the next steps in dealing with the fallen woman.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Deception

The chapter deals with the aftermath of Lady Audley's long-held secret being revealed, leading to the collapse of her marriage and household.

### Justice and Morality

Robert grapples with the moral weight of exposing the truth and the responsibility of deciding Lady Audley's fate, reflecting on divine judgment and duty.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The 'unnatural stillness' of Sir Michael's grief contrasts with the tempest within, highlighting the disparity between outward calm and inner turmoil.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Audley

Robert is consumed by guilt and a sense of duty after exposing Lady Audley's secret. He arranges for Sir Michael's departure and sends for a physician to handle Lady Audley's mental state.

### Sir Michael Audley

Sir Michael is shattered by the revelation of his wife's treachery. He leaves the Court in a state of unnatural calm, entrusting Robert with the aftermath.

### Lady Audley

Lady Audley, now exposed as Helen Talboys, is left prostrate after her confession. She is taken to her room, appearing calm but with a feverish desire to sleep.

### Alicia Audley

Alicia is initially unaware of the drama but quickly becomes concerned for her father. She agrees to accompany and care for Sir Michael on his journey.

## Key lines

> Heaven knows how much the young man had feared the coming of this day. It had come; and though there had been no great outburst of despair, no whirlwind of stormy grief, no loud tempest of anguish and tears, Robert took no comforting thought from the unnatural stillness.

Robert had dreaded this moment, and now that it arrived, the eerie calm of Sir Michael's reaction offered him no relief.

_Robert's anxiety about the emotional fallout of the revelation._

> I leave all in your hands, Robert, but you will not be cruel—you will remember how much I loved—

Sir Michael entrusts Robert with handling the situation, pleading for mercy in light of his own deep love for Lady Audley.

_Sir Michael's broken plea as he departs._

> Surely this awful responsibility has been forced upon me in order that I may humble myself to an offended Providence, and confess that a man cannot choose his own life.

Robert feels that this burden is a divine lesson, forcing him to accept that one cannot simply avoid life's struggles.

_Robert's reflection on fate and duty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters/xxxv-the-hush-that-succeeds-the-tempest
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lady_audley_s_secret_se/chapters