It seems to me that Darcy lives under the delusion that every woman must be despirate to gain his admiration. I say this because of his train of thoughts in chapter 12: He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him, nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity;

The word 'elevate' - if I understand it correctly as to mean 'to increase her feeling of consequence', lead me to make such a statement. He immediately assumes that the knowledge of his admiration would definately 'elevate' her. Why should she be so easily gratified?

He must not be aware that Elizabeth overheard him at the first ball - or he must have such a high opinion of himself to think that it would be forgotten and forgiven if only she has the honour of 'influencing his felicity'