Through Each Other's Eyes

by Aleena Ashe

  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 likely 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 or 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’!” Elizabeth could not help but chuckle a bit at the thought.

  “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 for daughters to pass it along to their 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. 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 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.

  Chapter 5

  Elizabeth

  Their trip into Meryton consisted of stopping at several shops for the younger Bennet sisters to peruse the newly arrived ribbons on their way to Elizabeth’s aunt Philips’ house where they were to return a pattern book that Mrs. Bennet had recently borrowed. While waiting for Kitty, Lydia, and Mariah to finalize their purchases, Mr. Darcy noticed the bookstore across the street. In his best attempt to sound like Miss Elizabeth, he spoke up. “Jane, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, would you think me terribly rude if I stepped into the bookstore across the street?”

  Jane responded a bit surprised but with no small amusement, “Lizzy, you were just there two days ago. You know Mr. Townsend won’t have any new books for a few weeks.”

  Bingley quickly jumped in, “Darcy, weren’t you looking for a book in my library the other day? You ought to accompany Miss Elizabeth and ask about it. What book was that again? Something or other of poetry, I believe.”

  Elizabeth was caught unaware and having no reply for Bingley’s question made a valiant attempt. “Yes, of course! It was the latest volume of Wordsworth I believe.” Turning to Miss Elizabeth, she offered his arm, “Shall we?”

  Darcy seemed both surprised and embarrassed by the gesture which would have been an appropriate response to the situation as is but seeing his reaction made her realize that while the real Mr. Darcy would likely have accompanied her to the bookstore, he would not likely have offered his arm. However, it mattered not as both Charles and Jane were already engrossed in their own conversation and had not appeared to notice.

  Crossing the street, Elizabeth and Darcy entered the bookstore. It was not as large as he was used to but they were immediately greeted by Mr. Townsend who was always happy to see Elizabeth and was hopeful of making a large sale when seeing Mr. Darcy. Next to Mr. Townsend was his daughter, Lucy-Anne. Lucy-Anne was a two years older than Elizabeth but blushed like a school-girl when she saw Darcy enter the store. Elizabeth mentally rolled her eyes.

  Elizabeth quietly whispered to Mr. Darcy, “Ask him how Mrs. Townsend is faring and if her headaches have abated since she has been in Bath. The other day when I was here he told me she was to be away for another two weeks.”

  “Right, thank you.” He whispered in return. Then turning from the shelf he had been searching, he repeated Elizabeth’s question exactly, hoping to sound natural. It must have worked for Mr. Townsend looked fondly at her and answered, “Oh Miss Elizabeth, you are too kind! She is much improved. So much so, that I fear she may want to stay!” While he said this with a smile, Elizabeth and Darcy could tell the older gentlemen clearly thought there may be something to it. “I may have to bring in my nephew to help me run the store
. But, I am getting older… It might be nice to take a step back from the day to day.” As if remembering that he had customers, Mr. Townsend looked up and smiled. “Forgive an old man for rambling. How can I help you today?”

  This time Elizabeth spoke up. “I am looking to help Mr. Bingley stock his library. Miss Elizabeth was telling me that last week you received a shipment of some of the latest works of Keats, Byron, and Wordsworth. I should like to take a look.” After a moment she added, “I am also looking for a book on crop rotation that Mr. Bennet mentioned to me only this morning.”

  With that, Mr. Townsend’s smile grew and he made his way around the counter to assist Mr. Darcy in finding the new arrivals. Once he left them alone. Darcy turned to Elizabeth to see her smiling widely. She knew full well that while this sale would be a large one for Mr. Townsend, the cost would mean nothing to Mr. Darcy and so he acquiesced to the purchase. “You do realize that I already own a few of these books, including - I believe - the one you mentioned on crop rotation. It was particularly insightful but not so much that I would normally purchase a second copy,” he said to her - amusement obvious in his voice.

  In her typically arch manner - and not at all resembling Darcy - she replied, “Well as I said, these are to be a gift for Mr. Bingley. Except the one on crop rotation; that one I will keep and read myself before leaving it for him to read when he has the time.”

  Clearly surprised, Mr. Darcy whispered, “You enjoy reading about crop rotation?” At that moment, Mr. Townsend walked up with a suggested book for Elizabeth and hearing her remark interjected, “My dear, no one enjoys reading about crop rotation but men like Mr. Darcy have a responsibility to keep abreast of the latest techniques that could improve their yield. Is that not so?”

  Elizabeth coughed to cover her very unmanly impulse to giggle, “Quite right. I find that improving the means of production often leads not only to improved output, but also improved morale for my tenants. For, in the end, I would be master of nothing if my tenants were not willing to work for me.”

  Darcy was impressed by how similar her opinions were to his own and the fact that she took an interest at all. However, it was dangerous for her to profess her opinions when speaking as him. Seeming to read his thoughts, and seeking a safer topic Elizabeth changed the subject back to books that might be purchased as a gift for Netherfield’s library. Elizabeth mentally chastised herself and resolved to be more careful when speaking as everyone else would attribute her words to Mr. Darcy and that could have undesirable consequences.

  Leaving the bookstore with one new book in hand and several to be delivered, Elizabeth and Darcy stepped out into the street. Darcy took this opportunity before they reached Jane and Bingley to say, “We are fortunate, Miss Elizabeth, you and I seem to be of such similar attitudes when it comes to my role as master of an estate.” Smiling to reassure her when he noticed color rising upon his cheeks (seeing himself blush was quite uncomfortable but so was knowing that she had taken his words as an admonishment), he smiled again and added, “I wonder, how have you come by such progressive notions? It is uncommon for ladies to be involved in the management of an estate; does your father encourage you in this interest?

  “My father has always encouraged all my interests. I have free use of his library, which holds quite an eclectic collection.”

  “Might I ask as to your education? That is, I may be expected to know certain things but not others.” In truth, Elizabeth Bennet was becoming more fascinating by the minute. He had never known a woman to take an interest in agriculture, but he was sure that was not the most unusual thing about her.

  “I have studied Philosophy, History, Politics, Maths, and - of course - languages.”

  At this, Mr. Darcy smiled widely (which Elizabeth thought must be how she appeared most often and was pleased that his smiling did not appear to change the effect on her face. She had always thought her smile was the one physical feature that she could take pride in and regularly displayed to her advantage). “Ah, parlez vous francais, mademoiselle?”

  Returning the smile she replied, “Oui Monsieur! Je parle francais, hablo español, and I can read Greek. Although,” she admitted sheepishly, “I only took on the latter because then I could read some of the more risqué stories from mythology without my mother chastising me.”

  “Well then, you must take Hector for a ride sometime. While he is strong and intimidating in appearance, he is an excellent mount for both hunting and riding.”

  “I’m afraid I am no horsewoman, Mr. Darcy.”

  “That may be problematic as I am most definitely a horseman.” Rubbing the back of her neck in a manner he usually did when he was thinking, he realized that he had yearned to graze his fingers gently over her skin and marveled that he could do so now in a most innocent gesture and no one would bat an eyelash. However, he also realized that this was an unladylike gesture and quickly brought her hand away from her neck. “Hmm, I will think on this tonight and we can discuss it when we meet tomorrow.”

  “Yes, I have already avoided a ride with Mr. Bingley this morning by claiming I felt unwell after I fainted this morning.”

  “You fainted? I have never fainted in my life!” Sighing loudly, “Bingley will think I have become missish.” After recollecting himself, he hastily sought to ensure that Elizabeth had, indeed, fully recovered from her ordeal. She assured him she was well and they both chuckled a little.

  Elizabeth - with her signature, arch smile that Darcy was sure no one had ever seen on his face before - teased, “Really? You have never fainted? I would not have guessed that.” Then she turned and walked in the direction of the others leaving Darcy to determine if she thought him a dandy.

  Chapter 6

  Darcy

  The rest of the day was uneventful until it was time to prepare for bed. Darcy, once again, had no idea what to do and could only rely upon the basic knowledge that came with being the guardian of his younger sister. However, even that was lacking as he had relied heavily upon Mrs. Reynolds to perform many of the motherly duties on Georgiana behalf.

  ‘Start with the dress and then the hair. That should be safe enough.’ He began by removing the dress itself which left him in a girdle and petticoat. To help ensure Elizabeth’s privacy, Darcy again turned away from any mirrors and looked at the ceiling as much as possible. Taking delight in Elizabeth’s nakedness would be uncouth. ‘I may look like Elizabeth, but I am still a gentleman.’ Once he had successfully changed into her night shift, he put on her robe, and sat down at the vanity to unpin and brush her hair.

  Taking out one pin at a time, Darcy relished the feel of the soft curls falling down around her neck. He ran his hands gently through them and even pulled one forward to take in Elizabeth’s perfume of lavender and rose water. ‘My goodness this is going to be torture.’

  Jane knocked on the door and entered quietly, already changed and ready for bed as well. Darcy noted that seeing Jane in her night clothes had not stirred up any feelings of desire within him and yet, the mere thought of Elizabeth (much more so this current situation) did. He wanted to possess Elizabeth’s body in a very different way than he currently was. And more than that, he wanted her to desire the same.

  “Lizzy, you are very far away this evening. I wonder what - or who - can be occupying your mind so?” Jane was not one to pry but she had noticed the marked attention Mr. Darcy had paid to her sister this afternoon and the fact that this time, Elizabeth had seemly accepted his attentions. “Have you decided Mr. Darcy is not so very bad after all? I have long thought you two were more similar than you realized.”

  Taken aback, Darcy took a moment to collect his thoughts. ‘Why would Elizabeth have disliked me? I can think of no offense I have given her...’ Then it hit him - the assembly! She must have heard his foolish, untrue remarks. ‘Oh no, how I foolish I have been. I have been laboring under the apprehension that Miss Elizabeth would have welcomed my suit only to find out, now when I am actually considering her, that she had
never intended to attract my attention at all!’ Somehow, as much as this disheartened him, it made him more secure in the fact that Elizabeth would not welcome his attentions for his money. If he could win her over, it would be that she had come to respect - perhaps someday even love - him.

  “Jane, you make too much of a simple walk and some shared interests. Perhaps Mr. Darcy is not as bad as I once believed but that does not excuse his previous poor behavior. I will proceed in an effort to be friendly. After all, I believe is Mr. Bingley likely to call on you often and Mr. Darcy will probably accompany him. It would not do to be uncivil.”

  Darcy decided that not everything about this odd situation was bad. Perhaps in speaking with Jane, he could ascertain her true feelings for his friend. He was not sure how he would relay that information if it became necessary but it would be valuable to have nonetheless.