Pauline Spender-Clay (née Astor; 24 September 1880 – 5 April 1972) was an American-English socialite known for her hospitality; her gardening, especially the cultivation of lilies; and her portrait painted by John Singer Sargent. Like many American heiresses, her engagements were a subject of speculation before her marriage. She volunteered as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse in World War I and opened up her house, Ford Manor, to be used as a military hospital in both World Wars. She was a member of the Astor family.
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Early life
She was born Pauline Astor in New York in 24 September 1880 to politician William Waldorf Astor and his wife Mary, née Dalgren. The family moved to London in 1891 and purchased the manor of Cliveden in 1893. In 1894, Pauline’s mother died, leaving her mistress of the estate.
Sargent painted Pauline with her pet King Charles spaniel, Mossie, in 1888 – 9.
About 1900, Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe sought Pauline’s hand in marriage, and they were rumoured to be engaged, but Pauline 'gave him no encouragement' and Roxburghe could not agree with her father about her dowry. He became engaged to Mary Goelet three years later.