from Mr Chenery:  in speaking of Mr Smith I remember his saying that Mr Smith had a daughter whom the Duke of Devonshire declared to be the most beautiful girl he ever saw.”  This was before he had made the acquaintance of the family.  Airy was at this time on a walking tour in Derbyshire with his brother William, and they were received at Edensor by Mr Smith, to whom he had letters of introduction.  He seems to have fallen in love with Miss Smith “at first sight,” and within two days of first seeing her he made her an offer of marriage.  Neither his means nor his prospects at that time permitted the least idea of an immediate marriage, and Mr Smith would not hear of any engagement.  But he never had the least doubt as to the wisdom of the choice that he had made:  he worked steadily on, winning fame and position, and recommending his suit from time to time to Miss Smith as opportunity offered, and finally married her, nearly six years after his first proposal.  His constancy had its reward, for he gained a most charming and affectionate wife.  As he records at the time of his marriage, “My wife was aged between 25 and 26, but she scarcely appeared more than 18 or 20.  Her beauty and accomplishments, her skill and fidelity in sketching, and above all her exquisite singing of ballads, made a great sensation in Cambridge.”

Their married life lasted 45 years, but the last six years were saddened by the partial paralysis and serious illness of Lady Airy.  The entire correspondence between them was most carefully preserved, and is a record of a most happy union.  The letters were written during his numerous journeys and excursions on business or pleasure, and it is evident that his thoughts were with her from the moment of their parting.  Every opportunity of writing was seized with an energy and avidity that shewed how much his heart was in the correspondence.  Nothing was too trivial or too important to communicate to his wife, whether relating to family or business matters.  The letters on both sides are always full of affection and sympathy, and are written in that spirit of confidence which arises from a deep sense of the value and necessity of mutual support in the troubles of life.  And with his active and varied employments and his numerous family there was no lack of troubles.  They were both of them simple-minded, sensible, and practical people, and were very grateful for such comforts and advantages as they were able to command, but for nothing in comparison with their deep respect and affection for one another.

Both by natural ability and education she was well qualified to enter into the pursuits of her husband, and in many cases to assist him.  She always welcomed her husband’s friends, and by her skill and attractive courtesy kept them well together.  She was an admirable letter-writer, and in the midst of her numerous domestic distractions always found time for the duties of correspondence.  In conversation she was very attractive, not so much