Lady+Arabella+Vane

__Biography__ Lady Arabella Vane was born June 2, 1801, the youngest daughter of Catherine Powlett and William Henry Vane, Duke of Cleveland. The birth order is as follows:
 * Lady Laura Vane+4 d. 11 Nov 1882
 * General Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland3 b. 16 Aug 1788, d. 18 Jan 1864
 * Lady Louisa Catherine Barbara Vane+4 b. 4 Jan 1791, d. 8 Jan 1821
 * William John Frederick Vane, 3rd Duke of Cleveland3 b. 3 Apr 1792, d. 6 Sep 1864
 * Lady Caroline Mary Vane4 b. 8 Feb 1795, d. 11 May 1795
 * Lady Augusta Henrietta Vane+4 b. 26 Dec 1796, d. 13 Sep 1874
 * **Lady Arabella Vane** 5 b. 2 Jun 1801
 * Harry George Powlett, 4th Duke of Cleveland6 b. 19 Apr 1803, d. 21 Aug 1891

Her mother died in June of 1807, and William Henry remarried in July 1813 to Elizabeth Russell.

Arabella (often referred to just as, “Bella”) is recognized as the most beautiful of the Vane daughters, as well as being highly gifted. Educated at home, she excels at “feminine” activities and is known for sometimes intimidating young men and alienating women with her intellect, incurring both fascination and scorn. Her stepmother in particular is uncomfortable with Bella’s rather blunt and direct way of speaking. Bella does not particularly care to soften her speech for others’ sake. This tends to polarize friends of the Vanes: they either adore her or fear her. Her father finds her manner to be a breath of fresh air, and considers her a favorite.

She is betrothed to Richard Pepper Arden, 3rd Baron Alvanley. Arden is an army captain serving in the 32nd Regiment of Foot. She does not get to see much of Arden, which to her is not a great loss. He is not a particularly interesting man to her, hardly a career soldier or a man of ambition. If she is completely honest, she thinks she is worthy of someone better.

Her interest in visiting the United States is to get away from England for a while. She is travelling with her younger brother Harry (age 19), who is taking an extended break from Oxford to see the world, with an interest in pursuing foreign service. (Really, it was Bella who wanted to go. She convinced Harry of the idea and he got their parents’ permission.)

__Physical Description__ Height: 5' Weight: 125lbs

Arabella has very light blonde (towheaded) hair styled into tight curls, icy blue eyes, and a modest but graceful figure. She dresses appropriately and with intention. She has young, rounded features which betray her harshly logical mind. People are often struck by her rather intense gaze when she is listening to someone or considering something.