I have posted here before that I am a descendant of Varina's family. My grandmother Harriett was a Howell, who had olive skin and black hair. Likely Varina was a GGG aunt of mine, according to my late mother who was from Mississippi and working on the family tree. Varina's family came from Wales, where a number of residents have dark coloring. They say that is from Iberian influence. My family always thought she was lovely and very brave, after hearing her story. Varina might have been a 'catch' but for the poor financial state of the family due to some bad decisions, which deterred many suitors. The family was greatly relieved when Jefferson Davis came along, relieved that Varina would marry well, despite the great difference in age. The southern belles, many of whom felt she did not have the proper appearance of a southern lady, spread rumors that she was a mulatto. My sisters and I after hearing all the 'Creole' talk decided to have our DNA done, intrigued that we might have some exotic blood in us. However, the DNA shows that all 3 of us have Welsh, Scottish, Irish, English, French and German roots, and I have 2% Russian as well. I should add that originally my DNA results summary showed traces of Pakistani and Berber but that was later corrected to Russian.