] she is very positive on this matter-not only that the Count misrepresented himself to Eliza nd Mrs Hancock, but also that they deceived him as to E's financial situation before the marriage.

Thanks for the reference and your views on their validity. The man might not have been a count or even wealthy, but if he was in that regiment then his blood was bright blue. You couldn't become an officer unless you had four quarters of nobility, a measure designed to restrict the army to the nobles who went way back, as against the recently promoted lawyers, financiers etc.

Do we know his dates for emigration and return to France? They can often tell you a lot about someone's opinions.