When Calls the Heart

It's springtime in Hope Valley. Ray Wyatt, with the National Pacific Railroad comes to town, and tells Abigail that they want to bring the railroad to Hope Valley. Abigail says that although she is the mayor, she thinks the town should have a say in such a big decision.

Things are busy at the Cafe, and someone of mystery has sent Abigail flowers. Superintendent Collins is leaving Hope Valley and offers a new job to Jack in the Northern Territories. Jack politely declines. Lee delights Rosemary when he tells her that he got the bid with the Railroad.

Wyatt and Abigail square off about the details of the railroad coming to Hope Valley. Abigail wins and the railroad is coming to Hope Valley, but with caveats that will benefit the town. Later, at the schoolhouse, a new boy named Phillip is dropped off by his father, Shane. Shane is worried about his son because he does not know as much as the other children. Elizabeth measures Shane and welcomes Phillip into the class. In class, the children struggle with the fact that there are not enough school supplies to accommodate the growing town.

With the arrival of the railroad, Abigail faces new challenges as mayor of Hope Valley in trying to find the balance between what is good for business and what is good for the people of the town. Her relationship with Frank is strained, and Cody is disappointed that Frank is not around as much as he used to be.

Elizabeth demands that Gowen give her job back, but Gowen has a letter from Thomas Higgins, the Superintendent of Schools, that suggests that Elizabeth used her family's influence to get her assigned to Hope Valley. Elizabeth leaves, upset, and in talking to Jack and Abigail, reveals that Thomas Higgins tried to make advances towards her. The letter from him is revenge for Elizabeth's past rejection. Elizabeth and Abigail plan to travel to Cape Fullerton to confront Thomas Higgins.

Jack attends Doug's funeral. When Jack returns to Hope Valley, Elizabeth can tell that Jack is deeply saddened. Later that night, Doug's mother gives Jack Doug's St. Christopher medal. Jack tells Doug's mother that he feels responsible for Doug's death.

Elizabeth is still healing from Jack leaving for the Northern Territories. Abigail finds her and the two talk about Elizabeth's and Jack's hopefully future together. Later at the schoolhouse, two new students arrive - Chad and Earl. Ray Wyatt is their uncle. The two boys are condescending and mean, but Elizabeth brushes it off. Meanwhile, at Rosemary's rowhouse, Lee has lost his voice. Rosemary goes into action mode and makes Lee tea and promises to take care of him and be his voice for him while he is sick. At Abigail's cafe - Carson reveals that Ray Wyatt has been stealing customers by opening up his own commissary at the railroad and forcing his men to eat there. Carson tries to quit to save Abigail money, but Abigail won't let him.

Frank overhears Carson talking to a friend about his past. This makes Frank more suspicious about Carson. Frank talks to Abigail about Carson - but Abigail won't hear a word against Carson. Meanwhile, Chad and Earl's father, Russ, has come to Hope Valley at the request of Elizabeth in hopes of getting through to his two sons. On the other side of town - Lee has bought a new car. Rosemary is excited about the car because she thinks it will help her with her new job. Rosemary asks a reluctant Lee to teach her how to drive.

Still missing Jack, Elizabeth welcomes any and all distractions, including encouraging Shane Cantrell to pursue his interest in Faith, and later suggesting that Faith accept Shane's invitation to dinner. Elizabeth helps ease Faith's worries about relating to Philip.

Cody remains unresponsive. Faith gives an initial diagnosis of appendicitis, but with no doctor available, their options are limited. They send for Dr. Karl Strohm from a neighboring town, but time is running out. They decide to track down Carson Shepherd, who just recently was revealed to be a doctor.