After breaking their fast, Bingley decided that it was only appropriate to call on his nearest neighbors, the Bennets, to discuss the success of the ball. In truth, he could not resist the chance that he may be able to take Miss Bennet out for a walk with Darcy and Miss Elizabeth acting as chaperones and Elizabeth was desperate to see Darcy and discover if he was in the same situation as she was. Perhaps then they could figure out how to reverse whatever curse they had fallen under.
Upon arriving at Longbourn, Bingley stepped out of the carriage. Elizabeth briefly hesitated before stepping down, waiting for the footman to offer his hand before quickly realizing how odd it would appear for the towering Mr. Darcy to wait for assistance from a carriage. It took but a moment before they were shown into the parlor and Elizabeth's eyes immediately sought out Mr. Darcy's. How odd to see her person standing across the room, knowing that to everyone else's eyes, she appeared to be Mr. Darcy. She also noticed that while Mr. Darcy was appropriately dressed, he had hastily arranged her hair and was immediately embarrassed that anyone should see her in such disarray.
After several minutes of small talk, Bingley suggested a walk to Meryton. Mr. Collins was 'suffering from an upset stomach' and decided to stay 'home'. Mary, hearing this begged off citing her need to practice on the pianoforte but Kitty and Lydia immediately agreed and begged to call on their friend, Mariah Lucas. So it was that they all set out to Meryton together. However, it did not take long for them to pair off with Kitty and Lydia in the lead, Jane and Mr. Bingley next, followed - at some distance - by Elizabeth and Darcy.
As soon as he was certain that their conversation could not be overheard, Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth, "How did this happen? As soon as you and Bingley walked into the parlor, I knew it was you, but... how can you be in my body and I in yours?"
Sighing heavily, half in relief and have exasperation, Elizabeth replied, "I do not know! I have never heard of such a thing? Have you?"
"No. I have not. Which means I have no idea how to switch us back. Nor how long we might stay... like this." After a few moments of awkward silence he added, "I know not how to broach this subject as we shall both be fairly mortified but I feel it best to set ground rules for our conduct when in public and...err... in private."
Blushing from the top of his head to the tips of his toes, Elizabeth agreed that such rules must be set as much as possible. However, while she was certain he had not meant to imply she would engage in any inappropriate behavior, she could not be completely sure. "Of course! There are certain expectations that people have regarding our behavior and it would not do to fail to meet those expectations out of ignorance. For example, only my family and very dear friends call me 'Lizzy'. I would never give a new acquaintance leave to call me anything but Miss Elizabeth (even if we feel a kinship quickly)."
"I am generally called 'Darcy' by my close friends and Mr. Darcy by everyone else."
"Surely your family doesn't call you 'Darcy'!"
"Well no, to be sure. My family calls me 'Fitzwilliam' but since my cousin is Col. Fitzwilliam, it can be a bit confusing." As if reading her confused expression - and wondering if that is how his face looked when he was confused - he clarified, "Fitzwilliam was my mother's maiden name and it is tradition to pass it along to the first born sons."
Looking around, Elizabeth realized they were over halfway to Meryton where they would no longer be able to speak privately. Deciding it was now or never, Elizabeth brought up the topic she dreaded most but also most needed to have settled. "Mr. Darcy, it is likely already apparent to you from having to get dressed this morning, that they are a number of rather... intimate situations which may arise. Let us agree that we will each act with the utmost regard for the privacy of the other without making absurd requests regarding particular behaviors. For example, I have changed many a diaper in my time and have had to bathe male babies..." Darcy laughed uncomfortably at this part of her speech. "While I know you are not a small child, I will endeavor to treat your body with the indifferent respect I would my nephews', knowing that we are all made as we are for a purpose." 'There, that wasn't so hard to say.' She refused to acknowledge to herself that it would not be so easy for Mr. Darcy considering female babes are not developed as a woman her age is. The mere thought of him having to handle her body - even for innocent purposes - made her blush profusely.
"Miss Elizabeth?"
"Hmm?"
"May I ask you something that would normally be none of my business?"
"I should think so. I have a myriad of questions myself."
"Do you have a beau... whose attentions I will be expected to receive with pleasure?"
Elizabeth laughed openly and was momentarily shocked to hear Mr. Darcy's deep baritone come from her laughter. Remembering their situation, she realized he may have someone as well. "No, sir. I do not. Do you? Not a beau but... Miss Bingley perhaps?"
Mr. Darcy stopped walking, causing Elizabeth to stop and look at him seriously. 'My goodness, it is still so strange to see myself standing there, looking back at me.' "I'm sorry. I do not mean to pry," she continued.
Mr. Darcy, who until just now thought that Miss Elizabeth was aware of his growing attraction had been quite literally stopped in his tracks by her question. "No, Miss Elizabeth, I am in NO way attached or attracted to Miss Bingley in spite of (and in fact, perhaps because of) her throwing herself in my path as often as possible. To be honest, you must be on your guard with Miss Bingley. She is not above a compromise and I cannot be trapped into a marriage with her! Please, Miss Elizabeth, guard my reputation as I will guard yours."
His earnest plea touched her heart and she promised him that she would do everything in her power to maintain the polite but distant relationship he had so carefully cultivated. For though she may not always get along with Mr. Darcy, it would be unchristian of her to allow him to fall into a trap. However, she also noted that she felt a small measure of relief at his denial of any attachments. But that was a subject would think upon later, if she chose to.
Resuming their walk, Elizabeth took up the conversation again,"Let us meet tomorrow morning, early, with a list of important information and issues which need to be addressed. That way we can try our best to be prepared. I gathered from this morning that my being up so early was not a surprise to those at Netherfield. Do you always maintain country hours?"
"Yes, I do. Although I woke up late this morning and it was noted by your entire family. I will have to be more careful in the future... until we figure this out, that is."
It was at this point that they realized that the rest of the party had slowed to allow them to catch up because they were just entering the outskirts of Meryton. It would not be prudent to allow any rumors to begin by being seen walking in pairs rather than as a large party.