Elizabeth Southwell

Robert's half-sister, Elizabeth, was a maid of honour at the court of Elizabeth I, where she became involved with Robert Dudley, Earl of Essex. Essex, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, despite being married was simultaneously having affairs with four of the maids of honour, one being Elizabeth Southwell, who gave birth to an illegitimate son. However, Elizabeth was forgiven by the Queen and her son was adopted into the Essex family. This event, combined with her age, would have considerably reduced her appeal and value on the marriage market; nevertheless she was not without suitors. One such was Sir Barentyne Moleyns, who due to a repulsive nasal condition was of an unsightly appearance but was eager, pehaps desperate, to marry. He had obtained a marriage licence but had yet to procure a bride. Perhaps Elizabeth, now over thirty, was also keen to be married in order to expunge her earlier indiscretion. Sir Barentyne and Elizabeth married in 1600 and two years later she presented him with a son and heir, who it is hoped did not inherit his father's appearance.

Sources:

http://apling.freeservers.com/Woodrising/Chapter5.htm

https://thehistoryjar.com/tag/elizabeth-southwell/