Robert's Transformation in Lady Audley's Secret Robert Audley plays an important role in Mary Elizabeth Braddon's Lady Audley's Secret. Robert is Sir Michael Audley's nephew and the young Lady Audley is his new aunt. The novel follows Robert on his quest to uncover the secret surrounding Audley Court and his friend, George Talboys. In the first half of the novel, the reader watches Robert transform from a carefree man without a care in the world to a man dedicated to his mission, thus becoming a true image of true Victorian manhood. introduces Robert to the reader, he is completely relaxed. He passed the bar exam and is a lawyer, but never actually practices law. Most of his time is focused on helping George grieve and recover from the death of his wife, Helen. After taking George on a trip to Essex where Robert had planned to introduce him to his uncle, Robert becomes a changed man. Before Robert has a chance to make introductions, George disappears. When he can't find h...