The next day, Lizzie started earlier than Jane, making Lizzie anxious about leaving Jane alone. Her behavior had been off and it made both sisters uncomfortable.

As Lizzie did her morning checks with patients, she felt someone watching her. Turning, she saw Bingley approaching her while rubbing his hands together, "Lizzie, I was wondering if I could have a few moments of your time?"

"Sure," said Lizzie taking a deep breath, "What is it?"

Without answering, his eyes moved to the people nearby and Lizzie knew he wanted to speak in private. Understanding, she motioned him into a nearby room no patient was currently occupying.

"What's up?" asked Lizzie.

"I know," he said, after a moment's pause, "I know Darcy told you everything. Right before we came back here he told me that."

Lizzie nodded, slightly embarrassed. What was she supposed to say to that?

"I feel…awful."

Lizzie watched him closely. As she looked at him, Lizzie could tell that Charles Bingley had hardly gotten any sleep. Dark circles covered his skin underneath his eyes, and those eyes, normally so vibrant, had lost their spark. He had been up late thinking. Lizzie had experienced such nights. Many within the last year.

"I came back. Hoping, there was a chance," he said, his voice showing true vulnerability, "And as I see her now. I see her anger at me is quite…intense."

Lizzie dropped her gaze. Intense was the right word. Jane's anger had even thrown Lizzie for a loop. Jane did not get angry. It just didn't happen.

"And she's seeing someone," he added, "I don't want to interfere, and yet I can't move on without knowing for certain. That is why I came to you, Lizzie. You know her better than anyone. All while I saw you in New York, I kept asking questions hoping you would simply mention her. I didn't have the courage to say anything then because I was embarrassed and horrified by the way I treated her," he said, his eyes filling with tears, "Darcy told me she was going to say yes that night."

Lizzie's stomach turned. She didn't realize Darcy had revealed that detail.

"I would give anything to go back to that night, Lizzie. I regret nothing more than the way that night turned out. My whole research grant was a mess. I couldn't focus. Ironic, considering my work was with hearts," he said letting out a shaky laugh and Lizzie smiled briefly.

"I've come back with no other motive besides making things right. And by making things right," he said confidently, "I'm here to get her back."

Lizzie took in a deep breath. Man, he could talk good.

"But, I'm not an idiot. I knew coming back here was going to be a challenge. I knew she would be standoffish but," he said, showing his nerves once more, "I had no idea she would be…like this. She won't show any part of her that reminds me of Jane. She's so cold towards me it feels like there's an imposter inside of her body."

Just at that moment, Lizzie's phone buzzed and Lizzie looked down to see a text from Jane, informing her she was at the hospital. With Jane's current mood, the last thing Lizzie wanted was to be caught alone with Charles talking about Jane.

"So," Lizzie said quickly, looking at Charles, "What exactly do you mean? I'm not trying to be rude but me talking to you is a risky thing right now. I heard everything you said. So, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Charles didn't look offended, to Lizzie's relief. Instead, he straightened up standing tall, "I want to know if I have a shot."

A simple question.

"Lizzie," he said, interrupting her racing mind, "I want you to answer with what's best for Jane. I promise you, if you say no. I won't hold anything against you. I want what's best for Jane. Because, I will walk away if that's best for her."

Lizzie's heart warmed by his honestly and she knew he would honor his word. If she said no, he would walk away and never bother Jane again. She would be free of Charles Bingley.

Charles was watching, her waiting for an answer, and Lizzie had it for him.

"Yes."

"What?" asked Bingley, looking confused.

"It's not too late," said Lizzie, and Charles eyes warmed as a big appreciative smile lit up his whole face. But, they both froze when they heard Jane's voice walk through the door.

"Lizzie? What are you doing in here?" asked Jane, in a weird voice as her eyes went back and forth between Lizzie and Charles. Lizzie at first was unsure what to say. She needed to make this relationship happen. To do so, she had to play aggressive.

"I told Charles you would have coffee with him," said Lizzie, giving Jane a pleading look, hoping Jane would just agree.

"What?" gasped Jane, "I'm sorry Dr. Bingley. Excuse us," she added, before grabbing Lizzie firmly and pulling her out of the room.

"What are you doing," she hissed, as soon as they were out of earshot, "Elizabeth Bennet. How could you possibly tell him I would have coffee with him? Because I won't!"

"Jane," said Lizzie, but Jane kept going.

"I thought you were on my side. Professional. And going to get coffee is not professional!"

"Jane," said Lizzie, throwing her hands up, "Just listen to me. Give me a minute to explain."

Jane, surprisingly, crossed her arms and fell silent.

"Look. I know that's what we said. I said it too. But Jane, let's be honest," said Lizzie, nervously taking a deep breath before she ventured her words out, "You are not over him."

Jane stiffened at her words, confirming them.

"And he's not over you," said Lizzie, "And you know what? I don't think you guys are supposed to be over each other. Jane. He's the one."

Jane looked down at her feet, her head shaking slightly, "He left."

"Yes. He did. And he's not excusing that. He'll explain what happened. I know he will. Please, just give him a chance. Please, Jane."

"I can't, Lizzie," said Jane, wiping an escaped tear, "I can't take that chance. I know this story. They leave."

"But he came back," said Lizzie, earnestly, "Please. Give him a chance, Jane. Just a cup of coffee."

The next minute was the longest moment in Lizzie's life as she watched the vicious battle taking place in Jane's mind. Jane didn't say anything, but Lizzie could still tell every thought that passed through her sister's brain. Finally, Jane turned and walked back the way they came.

Nervous, Lizzie followed, not sure what Jane was going to do.

Charles Bingley was leaning over a counter reading when Jane walked right up to him. Lizzie held her breath and felt her heart stop.

At first, all Jane did was grab charts from the counter, while Charles watched her out of the corner of his eye. Lizzie's heart sank as Jane left. But Jane turned back around and in a simple voice said, "One."

Charles turned, "What?"

"One," repeated Jane, "One cup of coffee." Her face was stern, but Charles didn't seem to notice as he smiled.

"I guess it's up to me to earn the second one, then," he said softly.

"I guess so," said Jane, turning and walking away where she joined several nurses on their way to check on their patients.

Charles had a whole new spring in his step as he went on his way. Lizzie watched him go with a whole new attitude. Mrs. Gardiner appeared out of nowhere, giving Lizzie a side hug.

"Playing matchmaker," she said, clearly realizing what had just happened.

"I didn't have to do much," said Lizzie.

"Still. I hope it works out this time," said Mrs. Gardiner. "Now I'm going on break. Darcy's in the locker room getting ready for his surgery, and with him here, everything will start on time. Even without me." She grinned. "I'll see you in a little bit."

Lizzie waved goodbye, but something Mrs. Gardiner said didn't sit right. She "hoped it would work out?" Of course, it was going to work out. It had too.

Unless Charles wasn't as completely committed as he claimed. This sent a whole new fear in Lizzie and her stomach dropped. Had she just put her sister in a no-win situation? Panicked, she started walking, knowing exactly where she had to go.

Darcy was the only one in the locker room when Lizzie stormed in. He didn't turn around, so Lizzie struck him hard on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Ow!" he said, flipping around, "Lizzie? What was that for?"

"You better tell me the truth right now," said Lizzie, pacing, "Because, I swear, if he's playing around, I will break both your backs!"

"Lizzie," said Darcy, "Calm down. What is going on?"

"Bingley," said Lizzie, "He gave this really good speech. Most of the time, I don't fall for that crap, but goodness, he sounded good. SO, I told him he had a shot. I even convinced Jane to get coffee with the dude and I need to know if I'm going to have that bad decision carved on my gravestone as punishment for not thinking things through," finished Lizzie, still pacing and eyeing Darcy at the same time.

"I doubt any decision is bad enough that it needs to be on a gravestone," he said with a smile. His attempt at good humor, however, was the wrong thing to do in that moment as Lizzie's insides screamed with anger. How could he laugh at a moment like this?

"You laugh?" Lizzie yelled, "Don't you realize this is my sister's heart we're talking about? You should care!"

"I care," he said, working to stifle the smile. "You have to realize that when you get worked up like this…you're kind of….err," he stammered unable, or unwilling, to find the words.

"I'm what?"

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head, no trace of a smile remaining on his face.

"Fine. Can you just answer the question then? Are Charles' intentions good, or did I just throw my sister into the lion's den?"

Darcy turned back towards his locker and replied calmly, "Charles has better intentions than anyone has ever had ever. He's here to stay, Lizzie. He'll stay forever unless she orders him away and even then, I'd have my doubts."

He seemed confident in his answer, allowing Lizzie's heart rate to slow down. Bingley was here for the long haul, which made Lizzie's interference alright. Lizzie sighed happily, and Darcy turned to her, "So, I'm guessing Charles talked to you."

"Yeah," nodded Lizzie, "I just hope their coffee date goes well."

"Me too," agreed Darcy, quietly.

Lizzie looked at him. Surprisingly, he, too, seemed tired. His eyes weren't as noticeably dark as Charles', but the signs of lack of sleep were subtly on his face. Perhaps, he had been up debating something as well.

A new hope dawned in Lizzie. If Charles had been up thinking about Jane, had Darcy been up thinking about her?

Lizzie could always test the waters a little, "So, how long are you around for?" she said, walking to her locker to pretend she had a reason to linger.

"I leave tomorrow for New York," said Darcy, "I'm only here for one surgery."

Lizzie's heart sank, and she was thankful she had kept her back to him so he couldn't see the hurt she felt. No, he had not been thinking about her. At least not in the way she had been thinking about him.

They had kissed. Surely, it meant something, but why wasn't he bringing it up?

The answer came to her too quickly, in one word. Wickham. Maybe at one point, Darcy had been able to look past that. But with the whole Lydia and Wickham fiasco, it was understandable why he no longer could ignore it. Lizzie couldn't even blame him for it.

"You going to visit Georgie?" said Lizzie turning to him with a purposeful blank expression.

"Yes," he said, "And I have some other places to visit. I have some long-term offers to search out," he said, watching her.

"Good for you," said Lizzie awkwardly. How was she supposed to end this conversation?

Thankfully, she was spared any further awkwardness when someone else entered, addressing a question to Darcy about the surgery. Quietly, Lizzie slipped away without another word.

As she walked away, she pinched herself in annoyance. Why? Why had she allowed herself to hope that just maybe, Darcy had come back with similar intentions as Charles?

Lizzie didn't see Darcy the rest of the day and she left without telling anyone. She was anxious to avoid the awkward farewell as she struggled to mask her longing for him to stay.

The minute she was home, she changed into her pajamas and ordered Chinese takeout to comfort herself. She was shrinking deeper into a funk when she heard the door unlock and open, revealing Jane.

"Chinese takeout?"

"Oh my goodness," said Lizzie, suddenly horrified at herself for being so self-absorbed. She had completely forgotten about Jane and Charles. "Your coffee date? How was it?"

"It was fine," said Jane, dropping her coat by the door and joining Lizzie on the couch. She reached for a carton of fried, rice slipping some into her mouth.

Lizzie bit her tongue trying to be patient. Jane was revealing nothing in her chewing of Chinese food, which only fueled Lizzie's curiosity.

"Good," said Lizzie, turning to the television and turning it on. She would have to be patient. Jane would open up when she wanted to. They both munched away on Chinese food and watched the tv in silence.

Finally, Jane said simply, "We're having dinner tomorrow night."

Lizzie smiled quickly, but then hid it as she saw Jane's expression which was still blank.

"Okay."

"I just don't want you to think I caved so quickly," said Jane. "He told me about his last year and it took a long time so we didn't cover everything. He suggested we do dinner tomorrow night to finish talking."

"Seems only logical," said Lizzie, with a dangerous grin.

"I didn't cave," argued Jane, "I haven't given in. It's not a date."

"I believe you," said Lizzie, and Jane seemed satisfied as she returned to her dinner.

Inwardly, Lizzie's heart soared. They had a second date. Jane was making it hard, but Charles was up to the challenge. He was not going to let her get away this time.

It was so hard to not show happiness the next day at their relationship but Lizzie knew Jane needed to make her decision on her own without Lizzie's input which meant Lizzie needed to keep things to herself.

It proved more difficult when flowers were sent to their apartment the next day. A big, beautiful bouquet that lit up the apartment. Jane acted as though it wasn't a big deal. She, however, put them in the best vase and placed them on the kitchen table all while having a slight grin on her face only when she thought Lizzie wasn't looking.

Jane insisted she was not dressing up for the 'meeting' as she called it. But Lizzie pretended not to notice as Jane spent some time in the mirror fiddling away. Charles arrived right on time and as Jane slipped past him, Lizzie gave Charles a thumbs up pointing out the flowers.

Charles smiled and closed the door leaving Lizzie alone in the apartment. Not annoyed by this, Lizzie gleefully reached for a book before cuddling on the couch, feeling content.

Lizzie didn't watch the time as she read. By the time she finished, she yawned and stretched, reaching for her phone. It was well past midnight. Just as Lizzie was about to decide if that was a good or bad thing, she heard keys jingling and the door being unlocked.

Quickly, so she'd appear casual, Lizzie picked her book back up and reclined back into the couch.

"Hey," she called to Jane, not looking away from her book, "You're home late."

Jane didn't answer, but Lizzie heard her approach the couch. A few quiet moments passed before Jane said in a defeated, happy voice, "I caved."

Lizzie looked up to see Jane's beaming smile, before Lizzie threw her hands up and screamed loudly in pure joy. Right after she finished screaming, their neighbor yelled back telling them to be quiet.

Laughing, Lizzie pulled Jane onto the couch, "Tell me everything!"

"He told me everything that happened," explained Jane, "And, he didn't excuse anything. He begged for my forgiveness and said he was willing to do anything just to get a second chance."

"He can talk good," said Lizzie.

"Yes, he can. I already knew that from the first time, but now, it's like he got even better."

"It probably feels that way," said Lizzie, hugging a pillow, "So, what does this mean for you guys?"

"What do you mean?"

"I guess to put it simply, is he your boyfriend again?"

"Not yet. I told him I needed to end things with someone before I made things official with him."

"Oh, right," said Lizzie laughing, "I had completely forgotten about him. I even forgot his name. I guess that's telling, isn't it?"

"Lizzie, that's unkind. He's a person too."

"Yes, he is but he's not Charles Bingley," said Lizzie.

"No, he's not," purred Jane, standing up, "I'm meeting him for coffee. And after that, Charles wants to spend the day together considering we both have off. Is that okay?"

"Are you kidding? I see too much of you. I'm glad to get rid of you," said Lizzie with a grin.

"Thank you," said Jane, "I'm just a little frustrated at myself."

"Why?"

"I wish I hadn't thrown everything away. I threw away a lot of our pictures and gifts he gave me."

Lizzie gulped, "Not everything. Most of your pictures are still on your computer."

"Yes, I know. The gifts I don't really care about. I just wish I hadn't thrown away the calendar. If I had held on to it just a few more days," she moaned.

"Jane," said Lizzie, getting up from the couch, "I have a slight confession."

"What?"

Taking her sister's hand, Lizzie pulled Jane to her bedroom. Once in, Lizzie turned to Jane, "Don't get mad. But I didn't do something you told me to do."

"What was that?"

Lizzie sighed before throwing back her blankets and pillows and pulling up her mattress. Jane's mouth dropped, "The calendar?"

"I know," said Lizzie, shaking her head, "You told me to throw it away. And I didn't."

Jane reached for it and hugged it to her chest before throwing her arms around Lizzie.

"Thank you so much, Lizzie. This was the thing I was desperately wishing I still had. You're the best. I can't believe you kept it."

"I can't tell you exactly why I kept it," said Lizzie as they separated, "Probably because I've always been Team Charles."

"Thank you, Lizzie. I owe you. Anything. What do you want?"

After telling Jane she didn't need anything, Lizzie put her bed back together before climbing in for the night, even though she wasn't the least bit tired.

Lizzie was beyond happy for both Jane and Charles. But, it did cause a certain selfish side of her to groan in agony. Jane wanted to give Lizzie something she wanted. How could Lizzie tell her sister that the one thing she wanted…was in New York, forgetting she existed.