What was the significance of the young baroness?

I didn't quite get what her relationship was to Don Vincenzo. People in the town seemed to defer to her, even bowing as she walked past, but then Don Vincenzo seemed to disparage her as being a "bastard" - yet she had an aristocratic title... Was she serving as a living commentary on the destitute status of the Sicilian aristocracy (rank and title, yes, but wealth and power, no...)?




"I've always tried to teach you two things. First: Never let them see you bleed. Second: Always have an escape plan." - Q