Emily Sellwood and Alfred Tennyson first knew each other as children in Lincolnshire, but were not married until nearly 30 years later, in the year Tennyson became Poet Laureate. This biography of Emily explores what kept them apart, and what eventually brought them together, and it discusses the life of a Victorian wife who was determined to be fully involved in work of the man she loved. Drawing on much unpublished material, the author depicts Emily's character and personality in detail, and presents the story of a remarkable family as well as a remarkable woman.