I feel the same as you do about this name; it didn't do much for me the first time I saw it, but it's definitely grown on me. Probably helps that I already liked
Charmaine, too. :o)
You could use a nn...just call her Arla! I know it's rather counter-intuitive, but the spelling's there, and you have a great vintage name to use, then. There's also Arlaine, but then, you may as well just stick w/Charlaine. :o)