When Elizabeth finally visits Mr. Darcy at his estate, it is clear that he is in his element. The reader sees him outside of his niche early in the novel, particularly during the balls, loud gathering of people he does not know who are expecting him to dance and mingle. Since Darcy feels painfully uncomfortable in new social situations, he comes across as aloof and indifferent at the ball. This first impression of Darcy sets up a contrast with Elizabeth's more developed perception of him later in the book.
When she goes to Pemberly, Darcy is dramatically more cordial and friendly. His housekeeper provides a notable example of this new image of Darcy, raving to Elizabeth about how handsome Mr. Darcy is and about how she wishes that he were home even more often (206-207). Darcy's initial impression at Pemberly is as an extremely lovable man, an impression upon which he expands when he arrives on the scene in person. He shows incredible hospitality to the entire visiting party, and he is confident now that he is on his own impressive but classy property. Now that the setting is his choice, Darcy is no longer feels the need to defend is social incompetence by pulling insults for Elizabeth out of the air, as he does at the ball. Instead, he appears to be a mature and lovable gentleman.
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