Original subtitles

Previously on When Calls the Heart, I rejected your advances and you decided

to smear my name. It's your word against mine. I lost my teaching position

because of what you wrote.

Merging the towns means our school will fall under the jurisdiction of the

Valley School District.

It's from Jacob.

Jacob? He's looking forward to... To what?

My apology.

This is what he does.

He just makes me so mad.

I do remember something. I grabbed the gun.

Are we just friends?

Friends don't look at friends this way.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, dear Goldie.

Happy birthday to you.

Yay!

Yay!

There you go.

Can you blow it out? Can you do it?

One. Two, three.

We got it! Yay!

Happy birthday, Marigold Elizabeth Coulter. And you, the birthday girl, get

the biggest slice.

I'll be right back.

Well, not too big, Lee. Oh, hush. It's her birthday.

All right, Jack, would you like to give Goldie her birthday present?

Oh, my goodness, yes.

Here we go. Here, you can stand right here, honey.

There you go. Oh, look what you got, honey.

Oh, so sweet.

This year, it's just flown by.

So many firsts. First tooth.

First step.

First slice of birthday cake. Just relax.

It takes time.

And you, tomorrow, first day working for the Valley School Board.

So tell me, how are you feeling?

I've decided to look on the bright side.

After all, it means more resources and better opportunities for my students.

Well, that's the spirit.

You'll just face these hurdles easy as pie.

Is there pie, too?

Pie?

Who's heard of birthday pie?

Oh, my goodness, Lee. We had cake. Those pizzas are enormous. Look at Rosie.

Cake.

Morning.

Hi. This is a good timing.

You mind if I walk with you?

Of course.

I can, uh, I can carry your books, too.

Thanks.

Well, these are heavy.

What are you teaching these kids?

I can take them back if you like. No, it's all right.

I stretched.

Jack, that's quite a large basket you've got there.

It's for daycare.

He's sharing his toys.

Well, that is very generous of you. I know.

Let's go.

Okay.

Allie left earlier with Angela.

She's a bit worried about what this merger might mean for the school.

Well, according to Lucas, it's just a technicality.

The day-to-day operations will stay the same.

I'm actually meeting with Mr.

Wilcox from the school board to find out more.

Well, Ike Lucas is right.

I mean, I'm sure he is.

Everybody knows that you're the best.

Thanks.

I don't know if that's true, but it's nice to hear.

So, do you have any plans for lunch?

Uh, that...

Depends on how long this meeting with Mr.

Wilcox takes.

Right. Right.

But I could stop by the jail if I'm free.

Sounds good.

So, Mr. Mayor?

Co-Mayor. What is on your agenda today?

Honestly, there's a bunch of stuff I can't wait to get started on.

I was thinking of putting together a small group of town leaders, pick their

brains, that kind of thing.

Joseph's actually coming by this morning, so that's good.

Lee, that is brilliant.

What were you thinking? No, wait. I know.

A dinner party at the saloon.

Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, black tie optional.

All right, all right. Perhaps something smaller, more intimate, so people can

share their innermost thoughts.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I like that way better. All right. So we'll definitely

have to have the governor there.

We'll have to wait for Lucas to return from making an appearance in Capital

City.

And then, well, there is the matter of...

The matter of what?

Your attire.

My attire?

Yeah! You almost had me. That was funny. All right. Think nothing more of it.

I'll put together some ideas.

Wait, what? You're serious?

Rosie!

Good morning, Mrs. Thornton.

Thomas Higgins.

I could hardly forget.

What are you doing here?

I was expecting Mr.

Wilcox from the Valley School Board.

I'm sorry to surprise you, but I'm now the Territorial Superintendent.

And when I heard it was your school being affected by the town merger, well,

I came here to handle it myself.

Just wanted to go over a few of the formalities with you.

I was under the impression the merger wouldn't affect our school's

independence in practice.

Oh, of course, of course.

We just need to make sure that you and your school are up to date on the latest

teaching theories and protocols.

It's, uh, well, something you can think of as guidelines.

It's a board-required protocol.

Nothing to worry yourself about.

I see.

Every school is doing it.

This says territorial testing standards.

Ah, yes.

Bureaucratic technical jargon. Nothing to worry yourself about.

Perhaps we can meet later.

Walk you through everything.

Today's actually quite busy.

Ah. Well, I'll let you get ready for your day.

I'll stop by later.

Guys, what is with all the racket?

Mike, I think that's... Oh, yeah, okay.

I can see that now.

Nice sign, though. It looks great.

Put it down. Just back.

Oh, never mind. Well done. Good luck, Mr. Mayor.

Oh, don't you start now. It's Lee, and you know it. And thank you for the input

today. Good ideas to think about. And, you know, Rosie and I are throwing a

little gathering at the hotel, and we were hoping you and Minnie would join

us. I look forward to it. Okay, great. I'll let you know when I have the

details. Sounds good. Thanks, Joseph.

All right, boys.

See ya. See ya.

I'll let May know.

Not in Florence.

Know about what?

About the gathering. The gathering.

Right. Of course. The gathering. Because they'll have great input. Of course.

Yes. Let's do that.

I'll let her know right now.

We have a standing breakfast date.

Lovely.

Wow.

This is a nice surprise.

And how is the cutest little girl in... What's this?

Not Goldie. She's at daycare.

These are all the files I've gathered on Clayton Pike.

It'll take you hours to go through these.

True, but I'm already a quarter of the way through.

Well, hopefully they'll grant our request for an interview with him. That

way we can go directly to the source. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

That doesn't seem likely.

They rejected a request?

He's refusing to talk to anyone, including a judge.

Another brick wall.

It would appear so.

They are becoming all too familiar.

What kind of gathering?

Not really sure, but if the mayor's holding it, it's bound to be important.

You go ahead.

Mikey?

Only Maisie ever called me that.

Just forget you ever heard it. Are you kidding? I love it. I think it's so

cute.

And I think it's wonderful that you have all your family around.

People who can share your little secrets.

Some things I wish would stay secret.

I'm sorry, did you really want the last piece?

No, it's not that. It's just, um...

I've been thinking about my family a lot, that's all.

I wish I could have met your folks.

Me too.

My mother was the most wonderful cook.

I would have loved bringing you home for dinner. And then she could have told me

embarrassing details about you as a kid.

I am sorry to say there were none.

I'll just have to ask your brother.

You're gonna have to find him first.

He's in the Merchant Marines.

He's always at sea or some port halfway across the world.

He sends a letter every now and then, but...

He loved my mom's cooking more than anyone.

Her xiaolongbao were the best.

Well, maybe you could make them for me.

Oh, I don't know.

It's been so long and I was never on her level.

But now... I suppose I have someone to cook for.

I guess I could give it a try.

Enjoy your lunch, everyone.

I see you've let your students out for an early lunch.

Just by a few minutes.

Oh, I was only teasing. There's no need to be so sensitive.

I'm not. Although I suppose it is understandable.

Your nerves are thin.

After the governor ending your engagement, it must have been quite the

blow.

I've been looking over the guidelines, and I have some concerns.

We can discuss all that in due time.

Well, I noticed mention of standardized testing, and... I was really hoping to

discuss this all under more comfortable circumstances.

How about dinner tonight?

I don't think that would be appropriate, Mr. Higgins. We can discuss any of this

right here.

Appropriate? I... I would have thought that you'd put your students' interests

above what I can only describe as an old grudge.

An old grudge?

Is that really what we're calling it?

I have some important telephone calls to make.

Mr. Higgins!

I'll be back tomorrow.

Maybe reconsider my offer.

Good day.

Elizabeth, how'd it go with Mr. Wilcox? Uh, it wasn't Mr. Wilcox. It was, um,

Mr. Higgins.

Is everything okay?

Mm-hmm.

Just a busy morning.

Uh, what about lunch?

I hear Minnie's got a great fried chicken special.

Uh, Nathan, I would love that, but I'm... I'm sorry, I just don't have time

today.

Uh, well, then we...

We could go another day. Okay, great.

Are you sure everything's okay?

Yes, fine.

What can we do to make you reconsider?

Well, I wish I could, but it's just not in the cards.

Level is. What is it that's holding you back?

Honestly, word around town is that you can't be trusted not to just turn around

and take all the profits.

And any suggestion that the governor may be playing anything but above board is

purely slander.

Contracts can be broken, Mr. Gatlin.

Especially if you're the governor.

That's not the way I operate, Grayson. Nor have I ever, and you know that.

Listen, I'd like nothing more than to do business with you in the future,

Governor, but, uh, not this time.

You know...

I also invited Joseph and Minnie to the salon thing. Yes, of course. The pastor

and his wife will be there. They are definitely VIHVPs.

What's a VIHVP? Very important Hope Valley people.

Right. I also invited Michael and May.

Hickam and May?

Hmm.

Hadn't really considered them. Michael runs the hotel and May is the town

pharmacist. She's on the council.

True. All right. I will add them to the guest list.

Maybe I should have a look at this guest list. Hand it over.

There you go.

Jed Campbell?

Really? For his dissenting views on the resort.

Oh!

I almost forgot.

What do you think about these?

For your dress?

For you.

For me?

Yes.

All the dignitaries wear these colors to be taken seriously in the world.

It's kind of gloomy, don't you think?

But they exude confidence, just like you do. Oh, yeah?

Thank you.

Oh, hello.

Oh, thinking of a new suit.

Well, you would look very distinguished in that one.

They say the office makes the man.

Thank you so much for the invitation to the salon. Ned and I are very flattered.

All good. I'm glad. And I've also invited Molly because she has a lot of

ideas. Oh, wonderful.

Yeah.

We are all ears. That is, Lee is all ears. Because he is the mayor.

Where to start? Not that Hope Valley isn't idyllic as is, but there is always

room for improvement.

Oh, Ned and I will put a sign on the community bulletin board. We'll let

everyone know.

Maybe we should just hold off on that one for the time being.

Is it just me, or is this kind of snowballing a little bit?

Working on your sermon?

Uh, yeah, it's a tricky one.

Dear Jacob, that's an interesting way to begin a sermon.

Not usually one to struggle to find the right words, but everything just seems

so wrong and too angry.

That won't do.

Not when he's already asking for an apology.

For the life of me, I don't know what for.

What do you want from Jacob?

I want it to go back.

It's when we were just two kids, best of friends.

Life was simple.

We didn't have much, but we had each other.

I don't know how it all went so wrong.

Hi, you.

I saw your light on.

Whatever's keeping you up.

I'm listening.

Thank you.

Thomas Higgins is in town.

He was the school superintendent who nearly cost me my job a few years ago.

Only now he's the head of the territorial school board.

Well, what is he doing in town in person? Surely he has people he could

send. I have a feeling this is about settling old scores.

Because you stopped him from firing you.

I tried to expose him for his inappropriate behavior.

Only it was my word against his, so... Elizabeth?

Did he proposition you today?

I'm not sure.

I think so.

But this is what he does.

He makes you doubt yourself so much you're not sure what actually happened.

You need to tell Nathan.

He needs to be arrested.

Arrested for what, Rosemary?

If I involve Nathan, Higgins will find a way to punish not only me, but my

students as well.

We can't let him get away with it.

I just feel so helpless.

You are not helpless.

You are strong.

You are brilliant and resourceful.

You know how to manage a heel like Thomas Higgins.

Lee? I've been thinking about what Molly said.

About the office making the man.

Yeah, that threw me too.

The thing is, I like my man.

Exactly the way he is.

Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate that, but you don't have to worry about

me. I'm good with who I am.

Thank you.

Now, about the mayor's soiree.

About that.

No, no, no, just hear me out.

Look, I appreciate all the thought you put into it. I really do. I just... I

know. It doesn't feel right being so exclusive.

You're everybody's mayor.

That's what I was going to say. And anybody should feel free to come up to

me and tell me exactly what's on their mind at any time. They are all very

important Hope Valley people.

Yes, they are.

And I think I have the perfect way to show them.

Oh, well, I like the sound of that. Do tell.

Good morning.

Good morning.

You're here early.

I like to make sure I have everything ready for my students before they

arrive.

Dedicated to your post.

I admire that.

What, may I ask, is the assignment this morning?

It's an art project on family and togetherness.

This generation.

They're so sensitive, aren't they?

I like to think of it as being well-rounded.

What's life without art, after all?

I take it you are here to discuss the guidelines?

Not necessarily, but if you were to have questions.

Well, there's certainly some useful direction in here, but it's rather

prescriptive, wouldn't you say?

I wrote it.

Why would I write something I find to be ineffective?

It's just my students have been very successful.

And I believe that's due to me having the flexibility that comes with a

certain degree of autonomy.

So it's your stance that you deserve to operate outside the rules?

No.

No, but... But every child learns differently.

And... I'm not sure I can address individual needs under your guidelines.

For example, I have a student who learns best using visual aids.

Perhaps they belong in a remedial classroom.

However, I suppose there's always room for some compromise.

I scratch your back, you scratch mine, so to speak.

I'm not sure I understand what you're suggesting.

You're making this harder than it needs to be, Elizabeth.

I can be flexible.

If you are.

I... I don't... Good morning.

Anna, we'll just be a moment.

And who might this be?

Good morning.

I'm Anna Hayford. I'm the territorial superintendent of schools.

This is Mr. Higgins, Anna.

It's nice to meet you. I'm here on a practicum from Teachers College.

Oh, well, you've chosen well.

Mrs. Thornton is a fine teacher.

She's the best.

Well, I'll leave you to your day.

Consider what I've said.

The territorial superintendent?

In your classroom?

You must feel important.

Actually, he will be leaving soon, so then things can get back to normal.

Oh, um, would you mind working with the younger students today?

Of course.

Bill! Bill!

Bill, Bill, Bill!

I found something you were going to want to see.

What? I was looking through Pike's employment records.

There was nothing. I was about to give up. But then I found this.

What? Look.

Five years ago, he lost his job at a mine near Yarrow Hills. He was

unemployed for a period of time. But then he picked up four months' work on a

construction project near Troutvale.

Employer UCH.

Union City Holding Company.

Montague. It's the connection we've been looking for.

He's back.

Should we tell him?

No, no, no, no.

Let's wait till we know more.

Maybe then he'll listen.

Oh, hello, Edwin.

Hickam. Governor, welcome back.

Your Hope Valley office is just as you left it. Thank you, Mike. I appreciate

that.

Mr. Higgins, what an unexpected surprise.

Governor, this is Thomas Higgins, the superintendent of the Territorial School

Board and an important supporter of yours, might I add. Yes, that's right.

We've met. The fundraiser. Good to see you in such fine health, Governor.

What brings you to Hope Valley?

Oh, I'm here helping Mrs. Thornton with the integration.

I know you're a busy man, but perhaps we could meet later to discuss educational

strategy. Oh, I'm sure we could find a time.

Certainly, yes.

That's very kind, sir.

Who's the stiff?

Superintendent of the schools.

They seem chummy.

They certainly do.

Oyster sauce?

Mmm, soya sauce.

Oh, none of these are big sellers in Home Valley.

I figured. These were hard to find in Chicago, let alone here.

Which is why we need to special order them.

How long would that take?

If I call them now.

They'll be here on our next shipment.

That's amazing. Thank you, Florence.

You wouldn't happen to have a walk, would you?

Funny you should ask. I have one in the back collecting dust.

I knew I should hold on to it.

Is everything all right?

Mrs. Thornton, you won't believe it.

Mr. Higgins asked me where I'd like to teach, and he told me he's going to be

visiting the college next month, and that he'll introduce me to some regional

recruiters. Isn't that wonderful?

That's very good of him.

Just be careful.

About what?

I'll miss you.

I'll miss you so much, Anna, and you can come back and visit any time.

Good luck on those exams.

Mrs. Thornton?

Thank you for always being there for me.

Have a safe trip.

Mr. Higgins?

Mrs. Thornton, join me for a drink.

I saw you speaking with Anna, my student teacher.

No need to be jealous.

I'm not jealous.

Can't you take a joke?

May I ask what you were saying to her?

I believe that's between me and Miss Hayford.

I know the special interest you take in certain students.

What exactly are you implying?

You know what I'm implying.

Leave Anna alone.

Who do you think you are, bandying about such reckless and unfounded accusations?

They aren't unfounded.

Jack Thornton School.

You know, the school board approves old school names.

Now that you're no longer independent,

It will have to be reconsidered.

Are you all right?

What's the matter? What is it?

I don't know what to do.

I was in

Teachers College, probably about 20 years old.

At the time, Mr. Higgins was the director of the college.

He took an interest in me and my career.

I was flattered.

My family was against me becoming a teacher, so this felt like validation.

I thought he thought I was special.

A gifted teacher.

But then things changed.

Then he... It's okay.

Take your time.

He started making advances.

Subtle at first.

But then more overt.

What did he do?

He was persistent.

But I told him no.

So he made my life miserable.

And now it's happening again. He's threatening my job, my students.

And then I saw him talking to Anna.

Well, where are you going? I'm gonna go set him straight. No, Nathan, you can't

do that.

Not like this.

I can't prove anything.

He makes sure of that.

He has all the power. He doesn't.

That's what he wants you to think, Elizabeth. Don't let him.

You know how strong you are.

I've never known you to run from a challenge.

I have to do something.

I need to make sure he never does this again.

Not to me, not to Anna, not to anyone.

Just tell me what I can do to help.

Mr.

Higgins, Elizabeth Thornton left you a note.

I received your note.

What did you want to see me about?

You mentioned that we could discuss my school's future over dinner.

Splendid. I'll arrange for a private table at the hotel, shall we say, 8 o

'clock tonight?

I'm afraid I'm unavailable tonight.

Or any night, for that matter.

What is this?

I'm unavailable for dinner with you, Mr. Higgins.

Because dinner between a superintendent and a teacher is at the very least

unnecessary. And given our history, highly inappropriate.

I see.

It's your moment to embarrass me.

Well, you've only managed to embarrass yourself.

Conjuring up grievances from our relationship over a decade ago. We never

had a relationship.

Unless your idea of a relationship is you offering me teaching positions in

exchange for my company?

After school hours?

Which you were too high and mighty to take advantage of. Believe me, other

women have benefited from being nice.

Because I wasn't nice, you tried to get me fired. You're willing to let your

students suffer because you refuse to learn your place. My place is certainly

not at the dinner table with you.

Well, I ought to have my head examined, wasting my time on you.

It may be time for you to consider another career, Mrs. Thornton.

What is this?

You just confessed to abuse of office in front of a Mountie.

This is entrapment.

How dare you? If I were you, I would choose my next words carefully.

Do you have any idea who you're talking to, Constable?

I have connections.

By all means, use them.

So Constable Grant tricked you.

That's right.

I'd like you to put in a word with Mounty Command and have the whole matter

dropped. And you think Mrs. Thornton put him up to it? Of course.

In retaliation for some imagined slight she believes I made years ago, when

all I was trying to do was help advance her career.

So, Constable Grant and Mrs. Thornton are in cahoots.

The problem is I spoke to Constable Grant and Mrs. Thornton before you

visited the schoolhouse.

I, uh... I had a chance to make a few calls.

It seems Elizabeth isn't the first accusation against you, Mr. Higgins.

So even if you persuaded a judge that you were the victim of entrapment, the

jig is up.

So you don't honestly believe... I believe Elizabeth.

And I believe every woman who has accused you.

If I were you, I'd tread carefully, Governor.

I have a great deal of influence in Capital City.

Did I hear correctly, Edwin?

Did Mr. Higgins just utter a threat against a public official?

I believe he did, sir.

Well, I'll have Constable Grant add that to your list of infractions.

You will be facing a trial, Mr. Higgins.

Until then, you're suspended.

Now get out of my office.

I'd wipe that smug look from your face if I were you.

I realized something today.

You thought because you were powerful, you could take advantage of me and all

those other women.

But really, it's because you're weak.

I swear, on everything I hold dear, you will never have the power to

abuse another woman again.

Yes, you better hurry.

When will I miss your train?

Got it. And furthermore, I'd like you to consider reinstating noise bylaws.

Noise?

But Molly, don't we already have noise bylaws?

Well, after 11 p.m., yes.

Okay, so what would you suggest?

8 p.m. seems reasonable to me. 8 p.m.? No noise after 8 p.m., ever.

I suppose you think I'm being a fuddy-duddy.

What? No, it's just that... No, Molly, I don't. There are no bad

ideas here.

I will consider it, thank you. Thank you, Lee.

Next.

How you doing? The mayorship really suits him.

I believe it does.

And this meet the mayor day is a stroke of genius.

Every Wednesday at four.

Rain or shine.

How are you feeling?

I'll be okay.

I'm proud of you.

Thank you.

Nathan's working with the Mounties to put together a case against Higgins.

Well, you can bet the Valley Voice will be covering his downfall every step of

the way.

May, you look... You do too.

For you.

Thank you.

Well, have a seat.

Oh, it smells incredible.

That would be the ginger and the garlic.

This is xiaolongbao, my mother's soup dumplings.

They were my favorite.

And this is chu chao mian, Shanghainese pan-fried noodles.

You did all this for me?

It was fun making these dishes.

I could feel my mom nearby.

Thank you for sharing them with me.

I... Yes?

May, I want to be a part of your life.

Your whole life.

I want that too, Mike.

Dig in.

I won't be needing this.

Mike!

I've been practicing.

May I?

Yes.

Wow.

Very impressive.

Oh, thank you. That means the world to me.

Do you want some rice?

Yes, please.

Okay. I want to try everything.

You want some company?

I'm sorry I didn't tell you what was going on sooner.

I should have.

Elizabeth, you have nothing to apologize for.

I can't imagine what you've been going through these past years.

When he first showed up in my classroom, I felt just like that helpless young

woman back in Teachers College.

Just trapped.

I just wish I'd been able to stop him all those years ago.

Hey.

This wasn't your fault.

I know.

Because of you, he's paying for this now.

No school board is ever going to touch him.

You should be proud of yourself.

I'm proud of you.

Thank you for being there.

Thank you for being here.

There's nowhere else I'd rather be.