A Countess in her Own Right Bonus Scene

To celebrate little Rose's first birthday, Mary suggested to Duncan that they take her on a picnic. Duncan thought it was a lovely idea and began making the preparations at once.

After a few moments of consideration, he said that he knew the perfect spot, and that he had something of a surprise for Mary. Delighted, Mary agreed. She could not imagine what sort of surprise Duncan could have in store, but his excitement was contagious.

When the carriage rolled to a stop at the bottom of the high hills that surrounded their home, Mary looked at Duncan, puzzled.

"This is a lovely spot, darling, but we can see nothing but hillside from here," Mary said.

Duncan smiled.

"This is not our picnic spot, my love," he said. He muttered some instructions to the carriage driver, and they began moving again, following a trail that led upward into the hills.

Mary's eyes began to widen, and her heart leapt into her throat.

"Duncan, you know that I am terribly frightened of heights," she said.

"Do you trust me?" Duncan asked, taking Mary's hand.

"I do," Mary said, with no hesitation.

"Good," Duncan said, smiling.

They rode the rest of the way up the hills in silence. Duncan kept Mary's hand in his, soothing her. Though her heart had still not settled back to where it should be, Duncan's reassurance was making great strides to calm her.

Since Mary had never been up to the part of the hills to where he was taking his family, she had no idea what to expect. She tried to take her mind off their ever-ascending ride and just enjoy the scenery around them, which was indeed enchanting.

At last, the carriage stopped, and he escorted Mary, with little Rose in tow, from the carriage and over to a nice, flat stretch of earth with bright green grass and surrounded by flowers of many vibrant colours.

Duncan began spreading out the picnic goods on the blanket the couple brought. Then, he took Rose into his arms and grasped Mary's hand.

"Close your eyes and come with me," he said.

Mary still felt terribly confused and a bit frightened, but she did trust Duncan wholeheartedly. With a deep breath and what she hoped was a brave smile, she closed her eyes. She could feel Duncan wrap one arm gently around her waist, and she allowed him to guide her forward.

After several slow, cautious steps, Duncan released Mary's waist and softly clasped her shoulder.

"Are you ready?" he asked. Mary could hear the excitement in his voice, and she could not help but grin.

"Yes, I think so," she said.

"Alright, my darling. Open your eyes," Duncan said.

She did, and she gasped.

She had never seen a view so beautiful. The sun shone in the clear, brilliant blue sky, illuminating everything in the valleys below. The fields were brimming with even more bright flowers, which danced peacefully in the light, warm breeze. There was a small pond some distance away, but even from their viewpoint, Mary could see how the sunlight sparkled on the water's surface. She thought it looked like there were hundreds of tiny diamonds in the pond.

"Oh, Duncan," Mary said, breathless. "It is absolutely beautiful."

Rose gurgled, and Mary looked to see their daughter smiling and pointing down at the blankets of flowers.

"It seems that Rose agrees with her mother," Duncan said with a grin.

Mary's heart began to flutter with the memories of the terrible dreams she once had. While the view was incredibly lovely, it was a very high vantage point.

Mary trembled. She did not want to ruin Rose's birthday or make Duncan feel guilty when he was trying to do something so thoughtful for her. However, she could not quell the fear that was slowly beginning to drown out the joy she had felt from the beauty of the landscape before them.

Duncan seemed to sense her increasing trepidation. With a kind, understanding smile, he squeezed her hand.

"Let us eat and enjoy the view from our spot," Duncan said.

Mary smiled at him woefully.

"I am sorry," she said, feeling her cheeks flush.

Duncan caressed her face, looking at her so lovingly.

"Nonsense," he said warmly. "You are doing very well."

Mary could see that he meant it and that he was not disappointed or discouraged by her reaction. She smiled at him gratefully, then followed him back to where he had set up their picnic.

The picnic was lovely. Mary and Duncan watched little Rose paint her face with her portion of the cake that they brought and laughed. They sipped wine and fed each other bits of cheese and took in the view of the hillside until sunset.

Then, Duncan lifted little Rose off the picnic blanket and once more took Mary's hand and walked them slowly to the cliff.

Yet again, Mary was rendered breathless. The view that afternoon had been impressive, to be sure. However, it paled in comparison to the view of the sunset from where they stood.

The pinks and oranges lit up the entire sky as the sun fell. The pond now looked a deep royal blue. Rose cooed and clapped her hands together.

Looking at the incredible view and watching it bring so much joy to her daughter, Mary allowed herself to feel a bit more at ease. Here, she was safe, with her family who loved her dearly. This was one place she would never have to fear.

Mary sighed. Duncan turned to face her.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "Should we go back now?"

Mary smiled.

"It will take some time still, I think," she said. "But I want to stay here a few moments longer."

"Of course, it will take time, darling," Duncan said. "And I promise to keep helping you get past this."

Mary smiled, knowing in her heart that Duncan would always be there for her, with her. In the light of the setting sun, she leaned up and kissed him lovingly. Then, they set off for home.

As the carriage pulled up in front of their home, Mary saw a coach awaiting them. She smiled, thinking that perhaps one of their friends had decided to drop by for a visit unannounced.

She looked at Duncan, who had a curious but wary look on his face. When their carriage stopped, he quickly disembarked and handed their still-sleeping daughter to Susan, who had stepped outside to greet the family, and helped Mary from the coach, before approaching the butler.

"Who is our unexpected guest, Johnson?" Duncan asked.

The butler gave a small smile.

"Forgive me, my lord, but they asked that I allow them to announce themselves," he said. "They are waiting for you in the drawing room."

Mary and Duncan exchanged puzzled glances. Duncan took her hand in his, and together they entered the house and made their way toward the drawing room door.

As they entered the room, they saw that the gentleman awaiting them was seated with his back to the door. Mary furrowed her brow, not recognising the figure in the chair. Duncan, however, drew in a sharp, sudden breath.

"Father," he said. "What are you doing here?"

Mary paled as the elderly man rose from his chair and turned to face the couple. Neither of them had seen the man since his argument with Duncan in his office, and Mary could not fathom why he would choose to show himself now.

Her stomach knotted, and she instinctively put her hand on Duncan's arm.

To her surprise, the Earl smiled warmly.

"My son, it is good to see you," he said.

Duncan stood staring at his father in silence for several moments, seemingly trying to discern a proper response. At last, he looked at Mary, as if wordlessly seeking her counsel. She gave her husband a smile and a slight nod.

Duncan bowed formally to his father before he spoke.

"What brings you here, Father?" he asked politely.

The Earl slowly crossed the room and stopped just in front of the couple. He extended his hand to his son as if to offer a handshake. Duncan looked at his father's hand for a moment, bewildered.

After a moment, he took the Earl's hand, giving it a firm shake.

"Please, have a seat," Duncan said, flustered. Mary thought she saw tears forming in the Earl's eyes. Then, he blinked and reluctantly released his son's hand, and took up a new seat. Mary and Duncan took theirs across from the elderly man.

The Earl cleared his throat. "I wanted to speak with you," he said, his face growing solemn.

Mary's heart sank. She watched as Duncan's jaw began to clench, and she reached out and squeezed his hand.

"Speak with me about what, Father?" Duncan asked.

The elderly man did not answer right away. He broke eye contact with his son and looked at his hands. Mary's heart began to race.

"I shall get straight to the point," the Earl said. "I have been a fool."

Mary's and Duncan's mouths fell open in unison. There was another long pause before any of them spoke again.

"What do you mean, Father?" Duncan asked warily. Mary felt sure that they all knew what the Earl meant. She mirrored her husband's wariness, but she also felt hope beginning to swell inside her.

"With my health ever failing, you and I both know I am not long for this world," the Earl said. "Which means that I only have time for the things that truly matter. Unfortunately, I allowed myself to forget what those things were. So much so, that I denied myself the joy of seeing you wed your very lovely bride—" he paused to look at Mary and smile warmly. Mary could not help but return his smile, feeling herself blush.

"And," he continued, "I have missed a full year of your child's life."

Mary began to feel faint. Can this really be true? Can the Earl really be here, wishing to make amends with his family?

She looked at Duncan, who opened and then promptly closed his mouth several times. It was clear that Duncan, too, was struggling to believe what was happening.

Quickly composing herself, she rose from her seat.

"Would you like to meet your granddaughter?" Mary asked, proud of the pleasant but authoritative tone of her voice.

Both men looked at her. Duncan was still at a loss for words, but his father gave Mary a brilliant smile.

"I would like that very much," he said.

Mary called for Susan, then walked over to stand behind her husband. She placed her hands on his shoulders, and he smiled gratefully up at her. As Susan entered the room, holding their still-sleeping daughter, Duncan also rose and put his arm around Mary.

Susan approached Mary with the baby, but she stepped to the side. When Duncan looked at her inquisitively, she nodded toward Susan.

Duncan took Mary's unspoken cue and held out his arms to Susan. The maid placed Rose gently into his arms. Then, he turned and walked slowly toward his father.

Mary held her breath as Duncan handed their daughter to the Earl.

"Father, I would like to introduce you to your granddaughter, Rose."

The elderly man stared down at the infant, who had begun to stir in his arms, for several moments. When he, at last, looked at Mary and Duncan, his eyes were indeed filled with tears.

"After your mother," the Earl whispered.

"It was Mary's idea," Duncan said, smiling lovingly at her.

The Earl looked at Mary, his smile growing wider.

"You chose her name well," he said.

Just then, little Rose awoke, startled at first to be in a stranger's arms. When she caught sight of her mother and father, however, she surveyed the teary-eyed man holding her and cooed. A tear slipped down the elderly man's face, and Rose's brow furrowed. She reached up with a chubby hand and swiped at the teardrop.

"Da!" Rose said emphatically.

Mary looked at her daughter, then her husband, and finally at her father-in-law. Then, they all began to laugh, Rose included.

***

As they were lying in bed that night, Mary listened intently as Duncan talked excitedly about his father's visit and about how happy he was that their relationship was on the mend.

When they had set off on their picnic that morning, Mary had not thought it possible that their little family could be happier or more perfect than it already was. But the grace of the heavens had proven her happily mistaken. Yet, there was one more thing she wished to discuss with Duncan.

"Mary, I am so full of joy that I could burst," Duncan exclaimed, taking her into his arms and kissing the top of her head.

"I suppose you believe that there is no way you could be happier?" she asked, laughing at the positively boyish expression on her husband's face.

"How could I possibly be any happier than I am now?" Duncan asked.

Mary looked down, placing a hand on her stomach.

"If, perhaps, our family was expecting yet another bundle of joy," she said, peeking at Duncan through her eyelashes.

Duncan gasped, this time understanding immediately what Mary was telling him.

"Oh, my darling," Duncan said breathlessly. He tilted Mary's face up to meet his and kissed her.