Das Geheimnis der Lady Audley

This looked like it would be my favorite book - the writing style was absolutely beautiful, so eloquent and flowing, and the premise that this book would 'turn the image of victorian womanhood on its head' seemed to promise me an ambitious female character that makes her own luck. For the first volume I was hooked, and for the second volume too, but the third one crushed all my hopes. I genuinely could not see what Lady Audley had done that was so treacherous and wicked - could not understand the sympathy proclaimed for George Talboys who deserted his wife and then thought he had any claim on her - could not understand how she had deceived Michael Audley, when Lucy Graham literally replies to his proposal with "I am selfish, and I cannot overlook your fortune.". He is disappointed but OKAY with being married for his wealth - and Lady Audley was a faithful wife and made him happy too so?? I desperately wished for some revelation that would back her up against these men pursuing her and forcing her to take action, but all the authoress came up with was hereditary madness...... a woman acting calmly and with calculation to secure her own position, seeking not to hurt anybody and just being left alone with her wealth is madness? Okay... yeah... no. It was very very suspenseful and very well written so I did like it somewhat, the ending just annoyed me immensely.