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Lady Audley's Secret, Chapter 38 summary

Chapter 38 of 41 · 22 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 38, Robert Audley returns to London believing George Talboys is dead and struggles between protecting Sir Michael and securing his friend's burial. Clara's urgent letter brings him to the dying Luke Marks, whose hints of a separate secret challenge Robert's insistence that he already knows everything.

What happens

  1. Robert returns from Belgium fearing that recovering George's supposed remains would expose my lady's crime and devastate Sir Michael.
  2. In London, letters explain Alicia's journey abroad with her father and Sir Michael's wish to hear nothing more about his wife.
  3. Clara's letter summons Robert to Luke Marks, and he travels toward Audley while renewing his resolve to bury George properly.
  4. Dawson guides Robert to Luke's bedside, where Phoebe privately asks him to conceal her suspicions about the fire.
  5. Luke thanks Robert for saving him and raises George's disappearance, but Robert insists that he needs no further information.
  6. Luke hints that he possesses a separate secret while Robert despairs over concealing George's supposed fate from Clara.

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In this chapter

Robert AudleyLady AudleySir Michael AudleyClara TalboysPhoebe Marks

What to notice

Luke directly challenges Robert's belief that my lady's account settles everything. His distinction introduces uncertainty without revealing what he knows.

Quick check

Why does Luke say he feels grateful to Robert?

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