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Lady Audley's Secret, Chapter 3 summary

Chapter 3 of 41 · 11 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 3, Phoebe Marks shows her cousin Luke around Lady Audley’s rooms while their mistress is away, and they discover baby keepsakes inside a concealed drawer. Phoebe takes the packet instead of jewels and promises Luke a pub, suggesting that she sees financial value in what she finds.

What happens

  1. Phoebe Marks meets her cousin and sweetheart Luke Marks beside the secluded well at Audley Court.
  2. Luke dismisses Phoebe’s new refinement, while she dwells on Lady Audley’s wealth and rise from paid employment.
  3. With the housekeeper’s permission, Phoebe leads Luke through the grand rooms while Lady Audley and Sir Michael attend dinner elsewhere.
  4. Phoebe finds Lady Audley’s keys in a dress and opens the jewel casket, but stops Luke from taking a bracelet.
  5. Luke opens a concealed drawer containing a baby’s shoe and hair, and Phoebe pockets the packet, promising him a pub.

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In this chapter

What to notice

Phoebe values the hidden packet above an expensive jewel. Her promise about the pub suggests that she expects the discovery to bring money.

Quick check

How does Phoebe gain access to Lady Audley’s jewels?

Cite this page

“Lady Audley's Secret, Chapter 3 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/lady-audleys-secret-chapter-3-summary.

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