In the Birthright Universe, this one-shot scene on New Year's Eve occurs after the first part of Chapter 15.

Mary's POV

The New Year's Eve gathering was much bigger at Downton Abbey than it had ever been in Mary's memory. There was more food and more drink. Her father had seen fit to invite every nobleman in the county. Of course, the expanded guest list was due mostly to her coming wedding. As Mary circled between the guests, she enjoyed every minute of the attention. She had made her piece about marrying her father's heir. The notion was rather mundane, as she had once thought that forty years of duty was not possible for her. However, Matthew was a cunning compromise. She would get her birthright with their marriage, and he was decent companion. Mary couldn't help but feel slightly flushed with the knowledge that they had already kissed, and she had enjoyed the contact. Her sleeveless dress had garnished her compliments all evening, as had her engagement ring. Furthermore, she enjoyed having discussions with Matthew about literature. So, while she still had her reservations about their marriage Mary did not believe in second guessing the decision. Mary sipped her drink casually, reassuring herself that she wasn't in any way worried about marrying the country solicitor. And so she held her head up high as she mingled with the guests.

Matthew's POV

New Year's Eve had always been a simple night for Matthew. As a child, he had enjoyed revelry with his parents, and as he grew older, he enjoyed meeting his mates in a pub. However, his favorite celebration had been while doing research for a client, the changing of the year only commiserated by a shot of brandy. For with the success of that case being won the following day, he had made partner in his law firm. There was more than one way to celebrate, and it wasn't always by making simple merriment, a long term plan was more cause for rejoicing. And so now as he looked at Downton Abbey through the throngs of guests he couldn't help but find comfort in this memory. For with his marriage was his future, they were tied together. Everything else was topsy-turvy given his identity crisis, except his memories and his hope that he could give up to the challenge of being goodness for Lady Mary. And so as he mingled with the guests he tried to hold his head up high.

The house was so swarming with guests that Mary felt overwhelmed. The combination of the warm liquid libations and the heat from the fireplaces made her feel almost ready to burst. She needed fresh air. And so she found herself without a coat, walking outside onto the terrace. Her dainty shoes crunched the freshly fallen snow. Mary took several breaths in and out enjoying the silence.

"Happy New Year," a voice said interrupting her solitude.

Mary couldn't help but smile at his persistence. It was rather cheeky of him to follow her, especially after her father had just given a toast to them before the New Year's countdown just before midnight.

Matthew surprised her however as he had removed his jacket and had it currently draped over his arm. The sight of the warm garment made her shiver for the first time, as she was no longer overheated.

"Happy New Year," Mary returned as she crossed her gloved arms across her chest. She refused to admit she was cold, so she knew her conversation with Matthew would have to be limited. Hence, her teeth start to chatter.

"I'm glad it snowed," Matthew said as he looked around them. He stared at the snowflakes before holding his hand out for them to fall into it.

Mary watched him with curiosity about what folly he was trying to exhibit. Sometimes she just couldn't understand the way attempted to grandstand with opinions that seemed so carefree and innocent. She was further alarmed when he stepped towards her, as she still was rather miffed about the disturbance he had caused on Christmas Day.

"I'm giving you my jacket," Matthew said gently as he placed it on her shoulders. "That is all."

They made eye contact, and Mary nodded her consent. She could feel Matthew's firm touch as he seemed to caress her shoulders as he adjusted the material around her. Despite the cold temperature, he still looked flushed with heat.

Mary cleared her throat before speaking, "Thank you," she said simply.

"You're welcome," he said quietly. "Tonight was quite the gala," he continued.

"Indeed," Mary agreed. She was not impressed by his chivalrous gesture.

"Have you ever read, Middlemarch?" Matthew asked as he returned his gaze to the falling snow.

Mary shook her head.

"I think you would enjoy it," he continued. "I re-read the New Year's Eve scene before coming to the party tonight."

"And what exactly lead you to this conclusion?" Mary dared him. "That I would enjoy this novel?" She held her arms at her sides as it would be improper to wear his jacket completely after all.

"Well, that's easy," Matthew said with a small smile. "You are too clever not to see the good of a bold, fresh mind."

Mary looked over her fiancées shoulder to see the guests inside. She wanted to focus on anything except his words and the compliment behind them. Not wishing to draw any attention to herself or her conversation with Matthew, she knew they must return inside. However, he seemed to anticipate this desire. Matthew held out his arm and offered it to her.

"Shall we return inside?" He asked politely.

Mary acquiesced to the formal gesture; her mind resolved to eventually finding this book. Not immediately because that would only encourage Matthew. But, someday she would definitely like to read it. Mary made it her new year's resolution, one that she knew she could keep.

The next chapter of BR, will see if Mary has fulfilled her New Year's Resolution she made here.