Volume II: Chapters XII - XIII Summary

XII - Preparing the Ground

Lucy immediately puts her plan into action and joins Sir Michael in his study. She allows the stress and anguish of her time with Robert in the Lime Walk to overcome her and she dissolves into hysterical tears. Sir Michael responds as she expects, with great concern and a desire to put things right so that she is happy again. She presents her theory that Robert is mad, but Sir Michael claims there is no madness in the Audley line. She persists with the idea, insisting that the disappearance of George Talboys has unbalanced Sir Michael's nephew. Sir Michael's captivation by his young wife allows him to be persuaded. He agrees to keep Robert from Audley Court and plans to have a physician visit his nephew in London...