When Calls the Heart

Previously, on When Calls the Heart...

I'm your replacement.

: A letter in your employment file

was brought to my attention.

I was forced to replace you.

Do you remember Superintendent Thomas Higgins?

He isn't what he seems.

I'm sorry, I can't help you, Elizabeth.

Jack. A telegram came in from Mountie Headquarters.

It's Doug. He was killed in the line of duty.

: Sometimes, we forget

how precious life is.

Douglas Burke died a hero.

Jack rode out for the funeral today.

I know he hurts inside...

but it's more than that.

Even though this is all part of a plan

greater than all of us,

I worry that Jack blames himself for Doug's death...

and it breaks my heart to watch him carry that burden.

I offered to go to the funeral with Jack,

but he said he wanted to be alone.

Sometimes, I think it's harder

for men to grieve than it is for women.

Doug was so young.

It really isn't fair.

Miss Thatcher?

Good morning, Mr. Cantrell.

I wanted to thank you

for letting my boy study with the rest of the kids

after school.

He took it pretty hard when Mr. Stoneman expelled him.

Mr. Stoneman made a mistake.

I sure wish you were teaching in that classroom again.

Philip misses being there with all the kids.

I do, too,

but we'll see the two of you at the music recital?

We'll be there.

What is it?

I feel like I'm drifting away.

How so?

It isn't the same,

being a tutor and not a teacher.

I'm just a volunteer who works with the kids

for a couple of hours after school.

You're still making a difference.

I'm helping them with their studies,

but that's one small piece

of what a teacher really does.

I know.

Cody misses you so much.

But it won't be like this forever.

What if it is?

Elizabeth, you will get your job back.

Just be patient.

Hmm. It isn't easy.

It means so much to me that you're here, Jack.

Anything for you and Doug.

Corporal Douglas Burke was a true hero.

He served his country with honor and dignity.

As Mounties,

we swear an oath to live up to that high ideal,

no matter the personal sacrifice,

and Doug paid the ultimate sacrifice,

but he did so valiantly and bravely.

He led the life he was born to lead.

He followed his destiny.

No life can be better lived than that.

Bullet. Salute!

Present arm.

Fire!

Reload.

Present. Fire!

Reload.

Present.

Fire.

Order arms.

Jack.

Is there anything I can do?

That hug was a good start.

I can't believe Doug's gone.

You were a good friend to him.

I could have done more.

Should've done more.

Oh, Jack.

I'm so sorry to hear about what happened.

I can't imagine what you must be feeling.

I appreciate that, Rosie.

Well, I didn't mean to interrupt,

but these are for you.

I hope the little urchins like apple pie.

I was debating between apple and cherry,

but cherry stains are so difficult to get out,

but then I thought...

Don't worry, Rosemary. I'm sure they'll love it.

Thank you.

I have tutoring. I'll see you later?

Sure.

None of my teachers ever brought me pie.

It's for her math lesson.

You know Elizabeth.

Always finding new ways

to stimulate those eager young minds.

I've never met anyone so devoted to their work.

I know just what you mean.

It isn't just a job for her, is it?

Something she lives and breathes.

Who is ready for fractions?

I don't understand them at all!

Well, fractions are everywhere you look.

Robert... could you please pass these out?

I think I'm gonna like fractions.

There are eight of you,

so I am going to cut this pie into eight equal sections.

If I remove one piece...

how many "eighths" do we have left?

Seven.

: That's right!

Eight-eighths minus one-eighth equals...?

: Seven-eighths!

Seven-eighths. That's right!

You just learned how to subtract fractions,

and it was easy as pie!

Do we all get to have some?

Yes, you all get to have some.

Uh...

Cody... you may serve everyone.

I see you're tutoring the children.

: They asked for my help.

It seems to be...

working.

I'm glad you noticed.

Yes. Even Mr. Cantrell seems to be doing better.

I was thinking,

if I can catch him up on his reading and writing,

maybe you could let him back into school.

I'm afraid that would take a miracle.

I believe in miracles.

Good day, Miss Thatcher.

Have you decided what you're going to play for the recital, Timmy?

"Danny Boy."

Did you know that's Mountie Jack's favorite song?

My dad's, too,

but I can't play unless you sing with me.

You promised.

Don't you worry. I will be there.

Once we get the depot built,

we'll start laying track right away.

Shouldn't be a problem.

I'm in the mood for a drink. You want to join me?

: Oh, dear.

I'm afraid that won't be possible.

Not today, anyway.

Or any afternoon this week. Or next.

Why not?

The saloon is closed until 4:00,

after Elizabeth is done working with the children,

which won't be for another, uh, 40 minutes.

Miss Thatcher is teaching in the saloon?

Well, she is a teacher.

She was dismissed!

Oh, goodness.

There's no reason to get so upset.

She's simply helping the children

prepare for a test.

That's Mr. Stoneman's job.

Yes, it is,

but apparently, he isn't doing it very well at all.

Good day, Mr. Wyatt. Mr. Avery.

Did you know about this?

No.

But I did warn you that firing Elizabeth Thatcher

wouldn't be popular with a lot of people.

I don't care how people feel.

I don't want that woman teaching anyone, anywhere.

: It's getting late.

I thought you might like something to eat.

I'm not hungry. Thanks.

Jack...

I don't pretend to know how you feel,

but I'm here, if you want to talk.

I hope I'm not interrupting.

No, sir.

I'm escorting Mrs. Burke back home,

and she asked to see you.

Please.

Thank you, Jack.

Oh, no need. I'll wait outside.

I'm Elizabeth Thatcher, Mrs. Burke,

and I am so very sorry for your loss.

Douglas wrote about meeting you.

He said that you were very kind to him.

I'll leave you two alone.

Oh, no.

I'd like you to stay.

Of course.

Jack...

I have something for you.

The Saint Christopher medal I gave Doug

the day he graduated.