Subsequently, it became apparent that behind Newbolt's prim Edwardian manner lay a far more complicated domestic life for Newbolt: a "ménage à trois". His wife had a long-running lesbian affair with her cousin and childhood love, Laura Isabella 'Ella' Coltman (1863–1948). One of his poems, in which he refers to someone as "dearest", is entitled "To E.C." He became Coltman's lover after a couple of years of marriage, and he divided his time between the two women so there was no jealousy.