Previously on When Calls the Heart...
The governor is coming.
I-I don't know what I was thinking!
I'm the one who wrote the letter promising things
I could never deliver, and certainly not by tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
There's a piece of land, it's my land,
and I want to sell it to you.
- I accept. - Then it's a deal.
The water has disappeared.
You'll want to fix this, Bouchard.
They're stealing the water.
And sending it to Union City.
A constable has been taken hostage
and there's been reports of shots fired.
I wonder if Nathan's heard anything.
Elizabeth? What is it?
I can't go through this again.
Not again.
Losing Jack was the hardest thing I ever went through,
and the thought of losing someone else in the line of duty,
one who means so much to me,
has rekindled old fears I'd put away.
It feels like we have a shadow over us for so many reasons.
Things that seemed important yesterday
pale in comparison to what is now at stake.
I think we should appeal to the governor.
What, and tell him about Union City Holdings?
Explain the scheme to steal the water.
The scheme requires Union City buying the water,
and as governor he can veto that contract.
That's great, Lucas.
Yeah, it's worth a try.
We can appeal to his sense of fairness,
about doing what's right for the people of Hope Valley.
I spoke with Edwin Mitchell.
Edwin?
It turns out Edwin is the governor's advance man.
And, as luck would have it,
the governor and his team would like a meeting with me
to discuss my future.
Your future?
It simply gives me an opening with Balfour.
Which is exactly what we need.
If we can get the governor alone I'm sure you can convince him.
So you just need to find a way to get him alone.
What about a tour? You could show him the sights.
Our famous hot springs.
And then pull the governor aside.
I can show him what's happening in real life.
How the water levels are dropping.
The water levels are dropping? Since when?
They're stealing it already.
So we'd better hurry.
Sorry I'm late.
It turns out I've been assigned
to the governor's personal security detail.
Kind of like a one-man honor guard thing.
Anyways, what did I miss?
We are going to appeal to the governor.
I'll fill you in later.
Nathan, having you by the governor's side is perfect.
We need to surround him with trusted messengers of truth.
Actually, Rosie's right. You are the perfect messenger.
- Of truth. - Of truth.
And I hear you're getting a medal at the ball tonight.
Oh, you are? For rescuing the hostage?
You deserve it, my friend. You're a hero.
Well, you're the one saving the town.
I'm just doing what I can. I need all the help I can get.
You got me.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth and I
already have a long list of items for tonight.
- Well, I'm game. - Great.
Wish us luck.
Godspeed.
Elizabeth.
Bill. Is everything okay?
I just got off the phone with the land office in Union City.
They have no record of my land being sold to Madeline St. John.
But you called the land office?
I saw her sign the deed.
Why wouldn't she have it recorded?
- Where is she? - She's in Buxton.
Well, how do you know?
The book I showed you? The one Jamie sent to me?
I didn't notice it at first but there's a return address.
Buxton Inn and Public House.
I have to find them.
Are you sure that's a good idea?
Well, this means that Madeline
is still holding on to the deed to my land.
I meant for you.
I need to find out the truth about everything.
Then she can make whatever choice she wants.
- Whoa. - Oh! So sorry.
Congratulations on your medal.
Oh, uh... it's nothing.
It didn't sound like nothing.
Really, Elizabeth. It's not a big deal.
I think Lucas has a good plan.
Yeah, you know, if anybody's gonna pull it off it's him.
Looks like all those years of playing poker
are finally gonna pay off.
Good luck today.
Hopefully we won't need it.
Still...
Be safe.
How are we supposed to put on a black tie gala ball...
Pretending that the town isn't facing ruin?
If only we had an actress who could chair the gala committee.
Point taken.
Good morning!
Isn't it just a splendid day today?
Alright, no need to overdo it.
- What? - Elizabeth!
Oh!
There is a package for you from Hamilton and the box is...
- Is it a dress box? - Yes.
Elizabeth, it's your wedding dress!
Finally!
Why aren't you excited?
I am, it's just with everything going on the wedding feels...
Elizabeth, this is exactly the distraction we need.
Come now.
Shall we have a look?
Oh. As matron of honor I have to make that a firm no.
Oh.
Sorry, I suppose I defer to Rosemary on this.
You can't blame me for trying.
Is there something happening? Everyone seems a bit glum today.
Oh, no, no. We were just...
Doing some final planning for the ball tonight.
Oh, right. The ball.
You'll be there, right? You and Ned?
Yes, of course.
I just... I don't know what to wear.
Nothing I have feels fancy enough.
You leave that with us. We'll get back to you.
Oh.
Alright.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
Not only am I thinking it,
I'm doing an inventory in my mind
of all my ball gowns trying to decide which one is best
for our dear Florence.
Oh, let's go.
We have to make sure Lucas doesn't see us.
It's very bad luck for the groom to see the dress
before the wedding.
I believe that only applies when the bride is in the dress.
- Oh, Elizabeth. - It's in a box!
You can never be too careful.
Is that what I think it is?
Oh, let's see!
You'll have to wait, I'm afraid.
Sorry.
Oh.
Ooh, just a little peek?
Oh, uh, wish we could but we can't.
- We've gotta run. - Are you looking for Lucas?
- He's right over there. - No!
- Hey, Lucas! - No! No!
Ah, yes, our tour. Splendid idea, Mr. Bouchard.
I want to hear all about your concerns, your quandaries,
what I can do to help.
Well, thank you.
I thought we'd start off with a tour on the buckboards
and then we'll stop by our famous hot springs.
They've become quite the tourist destination.
Outstanding. I'm prepared to be inspired.
Right this way, Governor. You're riding with me.
Oh, Edwin, how about one of me and the Mountie here.
And the dog.
Of course, sir.
- Here, boy. - He's not really good on command...
Here, boy.
Good boy.
Scout.
At ease, Mountie. Well done.
Uh, gentlemen?
We should probably get in the wagons.
The hot springs? Are you sure?
Have you solved your water level problem?
Leave it to me.
I'd like to give the governor a little education.
Come on.
- Are we all ready? - Yup.
Alright.
Hold on a moment. Do you mind if I join you?
The more the merrier.
Step up, boys.
Ready?
Ready.
What is this?
This isn't the dress I ordered.
They sent the wrong one.
Some woman somewhere is looking perfectly elegant
in your mermaid gown!
Rosemary, I can't wear this.
And you won't.
What am I supposed to do?
There isn't time to order a new one.
Fortunately for you,
your matron of honor is an expert seamstress.
You really think you can save this?
Well, I will try.
I can't believe I'm about to say this,
but if ever there were a case for "less is more".
Oh, goodness.
Maybe this is a bad omen.
No. No, of course it isn't.
This is just a mistake.
Elizabeth?
There's just so much going on.
The town and the water and the...
the wedding in the middle of it all.
It's normal to get the jitters, isn't it?
Sure it is.
Are you having doubts?
No.
Just about the dress.
- Well, this looks... - Like it's coming along.
Well, we're just getting started.
Florence?
Yes?
These are for you.
Pick a dress.
And don't worry, we won't be offended.
You can either pick bold and dynamic or pastel and mild.
Alright.
You'll know which is which.
Well, thank you.
I don't know how I could pick just one.
I'll help you choose.
Oh! Do you happen to have an extra?
Oh, and I need a dress, too.
I was gonna skip the ball.
I've just been working so hard, I have nothing to wear.
No, you have to come.
I'd love to borrow one, as well.
We have enough for everyone.
Where should we try them on?
- How about the salon? - Oh.
- Excellent. - Perfect.
Let's go!
And here we are.
Magnificent. What a wonderful gift of nature.
A source of refreshment, recreation,
and all this in the midst of our beautiful,
rugged mountain landscape.
The envy of the world.
Why don't you quote me on that.
The water levels are back up.
How did Montague swing that?
I don't know, but I bet if we went up to Bill's old land
that trench would be filled in.
Well, what do you want to bet
Montague's never gonna leave the governor's side?
Yeah. I should go talk to him.
I have a better idea.
He's been itching to talk to me all day, I can tell.
You two know what to do.
Do we know what to do?
I might have underestimated you. How about a word in private?
So I know why the water levels have been dropping.
Oh?
Now, I'm not trying to catch you in the act.
I am simply hoping I can change your mind.
Of course.
This town... this town is special.
And I know from the outside it appears like one part
of the bigger picture.
A source of water for the big city.
But you've spent time here so surely you can appreciate that.
That's what I love about a small town.
You make everything so simple.
What you fail to understand, however,
is that I am a big city man
and I see things for what they can be.
Governor.
I must insist that we uh, we keep moving.
We're on a very tight schedule.
Oh? Where next?
Uh, well we have a tour planned.
Of um, my mill, Coulter Lumber. Biggest employer in the valley.
Excellent. Jobs, jobs, jobs.
That's what I'm forever talking about.
That's what I'm always saying, too.
Opportunity and prosperity.
- Ok, well we should hurry. - Yeah.
So there's no way you'll reconsider?
I don't think so, my friend.
I suppose you're gonna tell all this to the governor now?
Make your plea?
Isn't that why you invited yourself along?
To stop me?
Aren't you clever?
Thank you kindly.
I'll do everyone's hair on the house. Okay?
- Great. - Yes, thank you.
Everyone's makeup looks beautiful, Mei.
You know, at first I thought this would be a disaster
but I think it brought everyone together.
Why does it seem like every time
there's a big event like this everyone couples up?
Societal pressure.
Well, I don't have a date and I don't want one.
- Me neither. - Hmm.
Why don't we all go together as a group?
Seeing as none of us have dates.
Unless you were hoping...
For Mike?
No.
I mean... I don't know.
- Sometimes men need a hint. - Mmm-hmm.
I have an idea.
Have a seat. You're next.
Good morning, sir. How can I help you?
I'm looking for a guest that may be staying with you.
The name is Madeline St. John.
Let me check for you, sir.
I'm sorry, I'm not seeing anyone by that name.
Thank you.
Judge Avery?
Jamie!
What're you doing here?
I was about to ask you the same question.
Mother says we have to stay here for a while.
I don't like it here. I miss Hope Valley.
Jamie, where is your mother?
Bill.
Hello, Madeline.
Whoa!
I'm sorry, your honor,
but we need to get you away from Mr. Montague.
Oh? Why is that?
There is a plot afoot
to try and steal the water from this valley.
- What? - It's true, we have evidence.
We can show you blueprints, maps...
Montague's company, Union City Holdings,
has been buying land and secretly building
a series of aqueducts.
If they succeed, Hope Valley and the neighboring towns
will be turned into a desert.
Well, that sounds positively criminal.
Mmm-hmm.
Yeah, well we were hoping you'd see it that way.
Well, gentlemen, such an outrage will not stand.
Not so long as I'm governor of this territory.
Good. Glad to hear it.
Alright.
Giddy up.
Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise?
Why are you here and not Union City?
We were on our way back to Hope Valley
and we heard good things about Buxton.
I know you weren't planning on coming back,
and I know you didn't file the deed to my land.
Bill, I can explain...
After you left, a man named Bernhardt Montague arrived.
He said he was your fiancé.
Bill, Montague was my Sebastian's business partner,
nothing more.
And a despicable one at that.
My late husband was a gambler
and when he died he left us penniless and deeply in debt.
All that's left is a small trust
and Montague is the sole executor,
and he's holding it hostage
unless I agree to go to Hope Valley
and buy some land with a creek.
I... I thought it was harmless,
but I should know nothing with Montague ever is.
Do you know why he wanted it? My land.
He works for Union City Holding.
He wanted my land to divert the water, all of it.
He told me no one would get hurt.
Well, he lied.
Why didn't you file the deed?
I couldn't do that to you.
And... it's the only leverage I have.
Montague still won't release the trust.
Bill, all I can think about right now is Jamie.
Montague could destroy my reputation so that I'm never
welcome back in Philadelphia, and without that trust
how am I supposed to keep a roof over our heads?
Please promise me that you won't tell anyone
where we are until I figure this out.
Without that deed, Jamie and I have nothing.
I think you have more than you know.
Take care, Madeline.
- Success? - He has seen the light.
Yes, he has.
- Well done, gentlemen. - Yes.
Well done.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Oh, you're on duty.
- It looks great in here. - Yeah.
Well, you know, we're gonna have a hundred people in here
in a couple hours.
I gotta get ready.
Mike...
Have you talked to Mei?
It's too late. And what if she says no?
Usually when I'm sweet on someone she'd rather be friends.
Well, I think that just means
you haven't found the right person yet.
You still have two hours left.
Plenty of time. Anything can happen.
We have to get ready for tonight.
Oh, come on. We can spare a couple minutes.
Here's your chance.
You can do this.
Have a seat.
We'll go find Hickam.
- Lucas! - Ah.
Um, where's Mike?
Where's Mike?
Mike is around here somewhere. Good luck.
Not quite a mermaid.
More like a giant puff ball.
Drowning in whipped cream.
This doesn't feel like me at all.
Because it's not.
So just put that out of your mind.
I can whip this pile of ruffles and flounce into shape.
Consider it clay to be moulded into stunning and bold...
yet dignified.
- And reserved. - And reserved.
Perfection.
A woman of honor, not one of silliness and... tulle.
I'll go get my scissors right now.
- Hmm? - Thank you.
Mmm-hmm.
- Oh. - No!
- Hi. - No! No, no, no! Avert your eyes.
Rosemary, it's fine.
They sent the wrong dress.
I... I think you look great.
If you like meringue. Which we don't.
Is everything alright?
Uh, oh, yeah. Um, looks like the plan worked.
The governor said he's gonna cancel the water contract.
Oh, that's wonderful.
Now we can all enjoy... The ball! The ball!
We must get ready. Shoo. Shoo, shoo, shoo.
Mustn't dawdle.
What time can Allie come over?
- 7:30. - 7:30.
Hi, Mei?
New hairstyle? It looks great.
Thank you.
I wanted to try something new for the black-tie ball tonight.
Are you going? Have... have you got a date?
No one's asked me.
Would you uh... would you like to join me?
Oh... Um...
Why not? I think it'll be fun.
Great. Thanks.
See you soon.
Hi, Mei. You look beautiful.
Thank you.
Excuse me, I have to get ready for my date to the ball...
with Harry.
Harry?
Oh, there she is. There's our little angel.
Hi.
So innocent.
- Yeah. - Lee, is something wrong?
No, no.
There's no need to worry now.
You and Nathan and Lucas saved the day.
The governor is on our side.
Yeah, I know. It's just that uh...
What? You can tell me.
Sweetheart, I was taking money from Montague for months,
and all the while the louse is plotting to steal our water.
You didn't know.
Ah.
He told you it was for a trestle bridge.
I looked at it, too.
There was no way we could have imagined
that it was for an aqueduct.
I knew. I knew something was up, but nope.
All I cared about was a profit.
No, no.
You cared about keeping your men employed.
Mmm.
Feeding their families. Taking care of our town.
I do wanna do my part. I really do.
This is where Goldie's gonna grow up.
Her home.
The place that's gonna keep her safe.
I wanna protect Hope Valley
from men like Bernhardt Montague.
And today you did just that.
Thank you, sw...
Oh, goodness me.
Sweetheart. You look absolutely stunning.
- I do? - Oh, yes you do.
Well, you, Leland Coulter, look positively dashing.
Why thank you.
I love you. So much.
- I love you. - Come here.
Ladies.
Oh.
Rosemary, look what you did.
We did.
Hi.
This is incredible.
You're incredible.
- Let me take your shawl. - Let me take yours.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Should we get some drinks?
- Yes. - After you.
- It looks so good. - It really does.
Florence!
Oh, my goodness. You look beautiful.
Oh, thank you.
Well, let no one say our little town can't measure up.
And with the radio?
Fiona really pulled it off.
I can't believe that we'll be heard all the way
from Jameson to Union City.
Oh, the governor will be heard anywhere there's a radio,
including Buxton.
Oh, they'll be listening.
I made sure to let Randall Rockwell of the Buxton Beagle know.
Told him to keep it on the QT so naturally he'll tell everyone!
My goodness, Molly!
Hello.
- Oh. - You look positively divine.
I feel divine.
When was the last time we had a night out like this?
Our wedding.
Let me see that.
Rosemary's dress looks even lovelier on you.
And you couldn't be more handsome in my father's tails.
Thank you.
- Minnie. - Oh.
It's perfect.
Oh, thank you.
- Hello, sir. - Good evening.
- Let's go. - Shall we?
Alright.
Ladies, thank you so much for always having my back.
Who would have thought this was all possible?
- Certainly not me. - Oh.
I'm glad I was wrong.
Forty-eight hours ago things were looking pretty different.
Lucas.
Oh, yeah. Absolutely.
After you.
How's the big speech coming?
Um... not good.
I'm not much of a public speaker.
Jack always said the same thing.
Do you have any advice?
Look for a friendly face.
Imagine you're just talking to that person.
Thanks.
- Hi. - Hi.
I should have asked her.
Yes, you should have.
And it's not like you didn't have help.
Is that... you put us together. The choir.
Ladies and gentlemen.
It's now time for one of my favorite duties.
To acknowledge and commend one of your very own.
Just the other day, Constable Nathan Grant
performed a daring rescue,
putting his own life on the line for what's right.
So tonight I take great pleasure in presenting him
the governor's Medal of Honor.
- Speech! - Here, here. Speech!
Um... those who know me, uh, they...
they know that I tend to be frugal with my words.
Um... you know, it's an odd thing to get a medal
for doing your job, but I'm grateful.
This valley and the people that are in it are different.
They're special.
We lean on each other when times get tough.
We rely on each other. We help each other out.
I'm so blessed to call Hope Valley my home,
and I want you to know that I consider it
my greatest honor to serve and protect it.
So thank you for allowing me to do that.
This is the deed to your land.
You said this was your only leverage.
Yes, it is.
But I can't do that to this town, or to you.
- Madeline... - It's my choice.
What will you do?
I don't know.
Well, you and Jamie can come here,
start over in Hope Valley.
That's kind of you, but after everything I've done I...
I think I've outstayed my welcome.
That's not true.
With this I can chase Montague and his company right out of town.
Everything can go back to the way it was.
Montague has friends in high places.
Even the governor.
The governor?
They're in business together, Bill.
At least they used to be.
I wouldn't underestimate Bernhardt Montague.
Goodbye, Bill.
Excuse me.
Bill, is something wrong?
I found Madeline in Buxton,
and she just came to my office and gave me the deed to my land.
But it might not matter.
She told me that Montague and the governor are tight.
That they've been in business together and still might be.
That means we can't trust the governor.
Exactly.
I want you to tell Lucas what's going on
and I'll handle old Monty.
Bill...
Pardon me.
Dance?
I would love to.
Excuse me.
I have something I need to tell you.
Just keep smiling.
Is everything alright?
I don't think we can trust the governor.
Well, I certainly hope that you're enjoying yourself this evening.
Actually, I just ran into your fiancée, Madeline.
She returned the deed to my land,
which I believe you've been looking for.
By law you and your men are now trespassing on my property.
Well played.
You have a good night.
I have an idea. Do you trust me?
Of course.
I'm going to grab some punch.
Hiya, Harry.
Why don't you two dance?
- Uh, Mei's just grabbing a drink... - Oh, she won't mind.
Hi, Mei, you look beautiful tonight.
Thank you, Mike. You look great, too.
Would you care to dance with me?
Pardon me?
Would you care to dance with me?
I would, but...
Why not?
My, my.
Greetings.
I wasn't told this was a meeting,
I was told I had a message.
You do. A very important one, Governor.
Bernhardt Montague and Union City Holdings
do not own land in Hope Valley.
This is a deed that's now been returned
and signed back over to me by Madeline St. John.
Hmm.
What do you make of this, Bernhardt?
Obviously Mrs. St. John has gone back on her word.
Bad business, if you ask me.
But Bixby, you know the good that this water will do.
And not just for this valley but all the way to Union City.
We need the diversion.
And I can assure you all that the water levels
will not be tremendously affected...
You know that's not true! It'll run Hope Valley dry.
Alright, my friends, let's take a moment.
This is a complicated matter.
I don't think it's complicated at all.
What you are doing will destroy Hope Valley
just as its destroyed Eagle Creek and Rock Creek.
Yes, but we also have to consider the greater good.
For the hundreds, for the thousands
coming to Union City looking for opportunity,
looking to create a brighter future.
I have to consider their needs, too.
And, as difficult as it is,
I might have to invoke the principle of eminent domain.
Eminent domain?
You're-you're just gonna take it?
If you'll excuse me, Governor,
I just assumed that you'd be on our side.
Well, I'm on the side of whatever
does the most good for all the citizens.
I'm sorry, but these are difficult decisions a governor has to make.
You can't do that!
I'm sorry. It's-it's not right.
The farms, the community?
Mr. Bouchard, you're a man of vision, a businessman.
You see my point, don't you?
Look, these valleys are the past.
Union City is the future.
Elizabeth.
- Bill. - Lucas...
I need a moment alone with Mr. Montague and the governor.
You're right, Governor.
Now I can see what's what, so let's talk business.
I'll do my best to show my fellow townspeople the light,
but it might be difficult for them to see if all they have is dust.
What are you proposing?
Divert half the water.
At least until after the election.
That'll give me time to show the people
that there's a functional compromise
and keep their votes in your favor.
I can be your point person here in Hope Valley...
for a fee, of course.
Union City Holdings, as I understand it,
is a limited partnership among friends, yourself the governor.
Something like that.
I would also like to be a partner.
And a friend.
I knew you were a smart man.
I'll also need a new place to settle.
Just in case 50 percent of the water becomes a little bit more.
Ideally a place that the water will not be redirected.
Monty, can you take Mr. Bouchard
through our aqueduct map?
It can be arranged in exchange for your continued support.
You have it... Unequivocally.
I'm looking forward to our future together, Governor Balfour.
Please, call me Bix.
You were great in there.
Rosemary has taught you very well... a budding actress.
Here we go.
Are you sure you wanna do this?
It's the only way.
And if the governor sues me for libel or throws me in jail
I have to try and save Hope Valley.
Are you sure you want me to go through with this?
You're a very brave man, Lucas.
Thank you.
Thank you, everyone, for joining us,
and to all those listening live
to Hope Valley's first ever radio broadcast.
We are so excited you're with us
on this incredibly special night.
We're here to support our governor.
Governor Bixby Balfour as he seeks re-election.
Governor Balfour is a man of the people.
A man of business. A man of the greater good.
But what exactly does that mean, "the greater good".
According to Governor Balfour
the greater good does not include places like Rock Creek.
Eagle Creek.
It doesn't even include Hope Valley.
Because he's happy and willing to steal their water
and leave them high and dry.
It's happening here in Hope Valley as we speak.
And, according to old Bix here,
the greater good does also not include Buxton or Jameson,
the next two towns on his list to be drained.
How do I know this?
I know this because he just told me.
He told me when he offered me a cut to join in.
Now, unlike Governor Balfour,
I don't believe the greater good means leaving people out.
I don't believe the greater good means decimating towns,
valleys, lives, communities
that we have worked hard to build here.
Now, we have an election coming up
and if you agree with what I've said
go out and make your voices heard.
Here, here!
You have no idea who you've crossed.
No, I think we do.
Well done.
Edwin, what say you?
It's about time that someone stood up to him.
The governor has some powerful opponents.
We should talk soon.
Lucas. Everyone's asking for you.
That is quite the photo, young man.
- Handsome and debonaire. - Uh-huh.
We're all very impressed.
Mr. Bouchard. Randall Rockwell, Buxton Beagle.
Can I get a quote?
The Valley Voice has exclusive access.
Mmm-hmm.
But we want the word to get out. Ask away.
What made you decide to take such a public stand
against Governor Balfour?
Oh, uh...
I was just doing what any normal citizen would do
when their home is being threatened.
Balfour is greedy.
We've recently learned that Union City
doesn't even need the water,
they were just trying to corner the market
and knowingly stomping on the little guy in the process.
We're safe for now,
only if people make the right choices.
- Synced and corrected by chamallow - - www.addic7ed.com -