
Continuity mistake: When the Dowager Empress is walking towards the door and says the cinnamon smell is from an oil, her reflection in the mirror exactly matches her movements, including when she turns, when it should show a mirror image. Note the blue sash is on the same side in both. A quick reflection of Anastasia's head just before when she says "I just want to know who I am" has the same problem. After they sit the reflections appears to be right. (01:09:40)
Answer: She may have tried to find her, but thought she was lost forever. Later in the movie she was getting old and was afraid that her family's legacy would die with her. It was then that she offered a large reward to find her.