5. Belle Was Not the Only Child to Grow Up In Kenwood
When Sir John Lindsay brought his then four-year-old daughter, Belle, to live in Kenwood, the Murray’s had another child already living with them. This child was a year older than Belle, born in 1760, and named Lady Elizabeth Murray. The young child’s mother had just passed away, and her father was serving as ambassador to Austria and France, so he could not care for his young daughter. Therefore, Mr. and Mrs. William Murray took in little Lady Elizabeth Murray, who was a cousin of Belle.
With Lord Mansfield and his wife not having any children of their own, they felt Belle would make a good playmate for Lady Elizabeth, and often explained to people that this is why they had Belle living in their home. Belle and Lady Elizabeth formed a very close bond; however, they were also treated differently. For example, Belle received only $30 a year allowance while Lady Elizabeth received $100. But, even so, it is reported that Lord Mansfield and his wife raised and cared for both the girls like they were their own children.