When Calls the Heart

Previously on When Calls the Heart...

I'm offering you a division of your own.

I'm honored, but I have a job.

Would you consider taking on the railroad as a client?

It's a deal.

Rosemary, you've worked at this cafe before, haven't you?

We're gonna need some help here.

I'll take the job.

Hope Valley wants this railroad,

but not at any price.

I vote against the railroad's current proposal.

You made the right decision.

Half the town agrees with you.

The other half's just afraid

to lose the railroad.

And with good reason.

Listen, Abigail, I'm your friend,

you know that, but...

You think I'm making a mistake.

Bringing the railroad to Hope Valley

benefits everybody in the long run.

If Jed and a few farmers have to move,

maybe that's the price we pay for progress.

That's the price they pay.

You're making profits.

And putting a lot of people to work.

What about their homes and their families?

Gentlemen, we all want

what's best for Hope Valley.

Let's just hope we get it.

Mr. Wyatt.

May I have a word?

Of course.

Thank you.

I've been thinking about the town meeting, Mr. Wyatt.

Ready to change your mind?

Not exactly.

Well, then I'm not sure there's much to talk about,

so if you'll excuse me...

I think we can make a deal, if we both compromise a little.

Unless you're ready to sell me the land to the south...

Please, just listen.

I know that moving the route

will cost the railroad more money.

But I can help.

And just how do you propose to do that?

I propose to sell you

the parcel along the northern route

at half-price.

The land is vacant,

so you won't have to pay to relocate anyone.

It's a good compromise, Mr. Wyatt,

and we both know it.

I'll consider it and I'll get back to you.

You'll get back to me now.

The railroad is good for business here,

which is the only reason I'm willing to negotiate...

but we can get along just fine without you.

My offer expires when I walk out the door.

I don't like to rush big decisions.

Mr. Wyatt, we both know the National Pacific

wants to run the main line through Hope Valley

because it's the most direct route to the coast.

But I'm sure they'll understand

why you didn't want to be rushed.

I accept your offer.

You drive a hard bargain.

I'd say it's a fair bargain.

Good day, Mr. Wyatt.

Just one more thing.

The women of Hope Valley

never shy away from a challenge.

Abigail Stanton might never have intended to serve as mayor,

but she rose to the occasion

and made a deal

with the National Pacific Railroad

to bring us progress and prosperity.

With both the railroad and the sawmill hiring workers,

new faces are already showing up in town,

and in my classroom as well.

All right, everyone. Settle down.

Timmy...

You can play piano at recess.

Now, as you can see,

we have a lot of new students here today,

so you will have to share your books with a partner.

Oh. Uh, Cody...

Would you please pass these out?

Thank you.

Good morning.

They told me this was the school.

And I'm the teacher, Elizabeth Thatcher.

Shane Cantrell.

This is my son, Philip.

It's nice to meet you, Philip.

He hasn't done much schooling,

but he went to class for a few months back in Rock Ridge.

- Well, that's a start. - I'm gone all day at work,

and he doesn't have a mother to look after him.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

He knows most his letters,

and he can add and subtract a little.

I'm sure he'll do just fine,

and we would be delighted to have you join us, Philip.

You do as Teacher says, you hear me?

Yes, sir.

Thanks you, Miss...?

Thatcher.

Thatcher.

Let's find you a place to sit.

It's okay.

How about... right here, next to Opal?

And she can be your reading partner.

Yes, ma'am.

Do you want to know a secret?

The first day of school is hard for everyone.

I'll be okay.

I know you will.

As soon as I think I've solved one problem with Wyatt,

he tosses me another.

So they don't want to pay any taxes at all?

Zero, and I don't think that's right.

Well, from what I've seen...

"right" and "wrong" doesn't matter to the railroad

when it comes to doing business.

And yet, you still work for them.

Not everything is always at it seems.

Nothing with you ever is.

Needs salt.

All right, everyone, for your homework,

I want you to read

the first chapter of Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm.

But there aren't enough books to take home.

And mine's missing a page.

I know.

You'll have to take turns with your partners.

So, decide which one of you will take home the book tonight,

and who will take it home tomorrow night.

Time for recess.

You can take the book home first.

I can't read all the words.

Miss Thatcher says it's okay to have your mommy help you.

I don't have a mom.

Then your dad can read it to you.

That's not what dads do.

Mine does.

Come on, Brownie. I'll read to you.

Could you bag up those scones for Bill

while I finish these eggs?

Rosemary?

Mm-hmm?

Bill's waiting.

Yes! Sorry. Right away.

And then maybe you can wash some dishes.

Mm-hmm.

With the railroad coming to town,

I figured now was the perfect time.

It is the perfect time.

I hope so.

I'm a little scared.

Don't be scared. It's what you've always wanted.

You're doing the right thing.

Thank you.

That means a lot.

If it's okay with you,

I would rather just keep it our little secret.

You have my word.

Did someone say "secret"?

Oh! No, no, no. We're just... just chatting, Rosemary

Thanks for these.

Hmm.

Dottie... you have to tell me.

Are you and Bill officially courting again?

No. We're just good friends.

Oh... you poor dear.

I'm so sorry.

Rosemary, please. It was a mutual decision.

Oh...

Of course it was.

So what's the secret?

I will tell you,

as long as you promise not to mention it to anyone.

I promise! I won't tell a soul. My lips are sealed.

I have decided...

to open a dress shop!

Dottie!

That's a wonderful idea!

Hope Valley desperately needs some haute couture.

Oh, you must tell me all about it.

Rosemary!

Dishes! Now?

Coming!

Now... you were saying?

Philip? Isn't there anyone here to walk you home?

No, but I know the way.

Well, maybe I could walk with you.

You don't have to.

I would like to.

Okay, but first, I have to stop at the mercantile.

My dad ordered some things for us.