I agree he was not, and that he wouldn't consider their interrupted conversation etc. as obstacles to further conversation. I only meant that he backed off a little right after that, not that he would continue to stay away from her.

]Why think Darcy would not wish to speak to Elizabeth when later moments show him quite up for verbal sparring?

I am sorry if I gave that impression - I meant quite the opposite, that Darcy is very much interested in Lizzy's conversation. (As I said earlier, his silent indignation at dancing excluding conversation is indignation at dancing excluding conversation with Lizzy, IMVHO). But right after the "piano conversation" he backs off a little, and he does not seek her conversation at that time. But we know that he was too much engrossed by his own thoughts to perceive that Sir William Lucas was his neighbour . (Ch. 6). Maybe he is thinking about Lizzy and topics for conversation with her? :-D

I agree with your last sentence, but the question was why Darcy was indignant at dancing excluding conversation, when he - as far as we know - hadn't really talked all that much with people outside his own circle. I can understand why he would be indignant at the dancing in itself as he is not really a fan of that, but he is indignant that the dancing excludes conversation (with Elizabeth, IMO.)