Hm... their conversation doesn't point to the fact that they are lovers

“My apologies, your ladyship. I will do my best to be less…frightening, in the future.” The butler gave a small smile, to which the Countess responded with a relieved chuckle. Taking her laughter as forgiveness, he walked into the well-decorated space.

If it would be in the presence of other people of her social circle, then this ceremonious address would be needed to provide the cover. But being only two of them that seem excessive.

Them knowing each other for a long time as a servant and a lady of the house makes total sense.

The appearance of a grizzly bear seems to me unlikely because I don't see the correlation between its visit and the storm. Then again why would grizzly bear try to enter the house?

To me, this sounds more like some non-life.