The first time Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy, she was not particularly struck with him. He was a tall, handsome, well-formed man, with something of an air of hauteur in his countenance, and a very proud and imposing mien.
He was speaking to a party of ladies, and seemed to be in conversation with Miss Bingley. Elizabeth was rather surprised to find that he was the owner of Pemberley, and that he was one of the most accomplished men of the age. She had heard so many accounts of his pride, that she was not at all surprised to find that he was not disposed to be very sociable.
The day was spent in a most agreeable manner. The park was beautiful, and the house was a perfect specimen of Gothic architecture. Elizabeth was very much delighted with it, and was very much pleased with the attention which was paid to her by the gentlemen of the party.
In the evening, there was a ball. Elizabeth was very much surprised to find that Mr. Darcy was present, and still more surprised to find that he was very much pleased with her society. She had heard so much of his reserve, that she could not help but wonder what had made him so much disposed to be amiable.
As they walked about the room, Mr. Darcy said to her:
Mr. Darcy: "Miss Elizabeth, I have been observing you for some time, and I must confess that I find myself greatly pleased with your conversation."
Elizabeth was too much surprised to make any immediate reply. She had never expected to receive such a compliment from Mr. Darcy, and she did not know what to say.
Elizabeth: "Sir, you are very kind to say so. I am afraid I have not been able to entertain you."
Mr. Darcy: "On the contrary, you have afforded me great pleasure. Your wit and your good sense are quite remarkable."
Elizabeth felt a blush rise to her cheeks. She was very much pleased with his praise, and she could not help but feel a growing sense of admiration for him.
The evening passed away very quickly. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy continued to converse together for the greater part of the night, and they parted with a mutual understanding that they had both enjoyed each other's company very much.