"Countess Albrecht would not lie to me." That much she was certain of, at least. "She knew things about my -- our -- family. Things practically no one knows. And her face..." She shook her head before saying, quietly, "I met her once before. Some months back. She didn't know then. I thought she was familiar but I couldn't say why. I think..." I want to believe "she is who she says she is."
Her smile was small and humorless at the statement; she said, "If she only wanted the inheritance, with proof of her identity, she could have it with or without me. Once it is known, I am a worthless marriage prospect. I had nothing but my money to recommend me. That is not a hardship," she hastened. How to explain? "For the Demiels, perhaps, but for me it is... a relief."