The irony.

Darcy´s hands say so much.

Physical contact is kept to a minimum both in the book and the movie. But Elizabeth and Darcy’s slow-burning emotions are often economically and elegantly expressed through unconscious actions. As when, after innocently holding Lizzie’s hand as she steps into a carriage, Darcy’s fingers are shown gently curling, as if recalling the touch of her flesh.

(Source: pemberley-state-of-mind)