Original subtitles

[♪♪♪]

ELIZABETH: It's been three years

since I left the comforts of big city life

to teach school in the little town of Hope Valley.

Every winter I spend here,

I become more convinced

that there's nothing more beautiful

than Christmas in my frontier home.

It was a difficult year for many of our new neighbors.

The people who settled near the river

saw their homes swept away in a flood.

Some even lost beloved husbands and fathers.

But in the true spirit of giving,

our town has joined together,

promising to those less fortunate

a holiday filled with comfort and joy.

[♪♪♪]

This is a long list.

I am in charge of the Christmas Committee this year.

It's, uh, it's a bigger order than usual.

Well, there's extra for the families from the settlement.

It's the least we can do to show them we care.

I agree a hundred percent.

So do you think you can get it all here before Christmas Eve?

It shouldn't be a problem. Great!

I'll come by later with the grocery order.

I wonder what Miss LeVeaux will say

when she hears you've taken over her committee.

"Mrs. Coulter" has been away on her honeymoon

with Mr. Coulter.

I heard they're due back today.

And I'm sure Rosemary will be delighted

that someone volunteered in her absence.

You don't actually believe that, do you?

Christmas is the season for miracles.

[♪♪♪]

Miss Thatcher! Where would you like this tree?

Um... How about right here, in the center of town?

Sounds like the perfect place to me.

Jack!

Elizabeth.

How's the work coming? Good!

We finished the attic in Mrs. Sullivan's,

and we're just started work over the dentist's office.

And what about the old houses by the north road?

The seven houses are gonna take some time.

To tell the truth, I need to find a few men to lend a hand.

Oh, there's the Lawson family.

I was thinking the apartment below Dottie's

would be perfect for them.

Thanks.

Elizabeth...

I promised you that I'd find everyone from the settlement

a permanent place to call home by Christmas,

and I intend to deliver.

Christmas is only a week away.

Would you please stop worrying?

[SIGHS HEAVILY]

I wish I knew how.

Well, I don't know how we're going

to pull off a Christmas Eve banquet.

And this building project,

if you ask me, it's far too ambitious.

I think it's fantastic.

Any word on when Mayor Gowen is coming back?

Faith was going to check on him while she was in Union City,

but I haven't heard anything.

Well, I really think it's time for you

to officially step in as mayor, Abigail.

You are head of the town council,

and the town bylaws state that when the Mayor is absent,

the head of the council assumes the leadership role.

Florence, I'm not doing anything official

until we know for sure about Henry.

And quite frankly, with the cafe, the banquet,

and Christmas for Cody,

I've got my hands full, thank you very much.

I just hope Miss Thatcher knows what she's doing.

She may have bitten off more than she can chew.

She will be fine, if we all pitch in and help.

I suppose I could bake a cake or two.

Or 25!

Oh, come on, Florence! It'll be fun.

Abigail!

Excuse me, ladies. Of course.

Do you have the menu for the banquet?

Give me till 3:00. The sooner the better.

I'm wondering if we should serve turkey or ham. Maybe both.

You know, you're starting to sound a lot like Rose--

Bite your tongue! [STAGECOACH RUMBLING]

Yo0-hoo! Merry Christmas!

Ah. Speak of the devil.

[CHUCKLES]

LEE: Okay...

Well, if it isn't the happy honeymooners!

Hello!

Hello!

We had just a marvelous time on our honeymoon!

I didn't want to come back. But then I realized

I had to make an extra special Christmas

for my honey-bunny. Yeah. That would be me.

Just think. This is our

very first Christmas as a married couple.

[GASPING]

And I hate to disappoint you all,

but I absolutely do not have time

to head the Christmas Committee this year,

SO someone else will have to remove

that terrible, scrawny Christmas tree

that Mr. Avery is putting up in front of the saloon.

Actually, I'm in charge of the committee this year,

and I think that tree is just fine.

You would, dear.

CODY: Constable Thornton?

Can I play with Rip?

'Course you can, Cody. He's in the jail.

Oh, Cody. Hold on. That reminds me...

Um, picked up a little something for you

when we were in New York.

Autographed by Doc Crandall himself.

He's the best pitcher in the league!

You bet he is. What do you say, young man?

Thanks, Mr. Coulter! You're very welcome.

So need a hand moving the luggage back to your place?

Oh, don't be silly, no.

Lee's place is much too small for both of us.

Yeah, apparently, I am now building Rosemary

the largest house in town.

But where will you stay in the meantime?

Right next door...

to me.

We're neighbors! Isn't it fabulous?

Come take a peek inside.

All right, give me a hand with this.

Okay.

Ready? Yep.

Okay. Oh! Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Careful. It's heavy.

What has Rosemary got in here? Lead?

Souvenirs.

Like the Statue of Liberty?

I can't believe you hauled this across an entire continent.

Rosemary went Christmas shopping

every single day we were away.

Well, lucky you didn't stay another week.

You're telling me.

There's no place like home.

It's good to have you back, Lee.

Good to be back. So, tell me, uh...

You and Elizabeth have big plans for the holidays?

Yep.

But she doesn't know it yet.

Okay. Here we come!

Ready?

[♪♪♪]

FRANK: Can I get your attention?

Listen up, everyone!

We're lucky we haven't had much snow

up on the high ground here yet,

but people in town know it's getting cold,

so they're inviting you to stay with them

until we finish building you homes.

We can't impose like that.

Oh, sure, you can. Nurse Carter is here

to help make all the arrangements.

FAITH: There isn't a lot more to say, except let's get you

packed up and out of here as fast as we can!

I can't believe we're going to have

a place of our own by Christmas.

Well, you can believe it, because it's true.

I wish I could help with the work,

but I'm heading out for a double shift at the mine.

It's okay. We've got plenty of volunteers.

People are happy to donate supplies.

Maggie and Timmy are so excited,

I can't get them to sleep at night.

Same with our Ruby!

[LAUGHING]

[♪♪♪]

Nancy, let me help you with that.

I'll be fine. You sure? Looks pretty heavy.

I said I'll be fine.

SETTLER: Frank, we need a hand over here.

Cody, please put away the ball.

We have lots of things to do today.

Like what?

Well, first, we are going to be making

Christmas decorations for the classroom.

My mom said we're going to be having

a Nativity Pageant on Christmas Eve.

That's right, we are.

What's a Navi-tivity pageant?

"Nativity."

It's a play about the birth of Jesus.

Are there going to be parts for everyone?

Of course there are! And...

I have ordered very special costumes

all the way from Hamilton.

and they're going to be my Christmas gift for the class.

Miss Thatcher, will we have to audition,

like we did for Miss Rosemary's plays?

I'm gonna audition for Mary.

There won't be any auditions. The biggest parts

are going to go to the students

who show the most Christmas spirit

by being kind and caring.

I want to be one of the wise men.

Then I'm sure you will be very kind and very caring.

I could clean the chalkboard after school.

That's a good start,

but it's not exactly what I had in mind.

Well, then, what did you have in mind?

You will have to figure it out.

And after the play,

there's going to be a Giving Tree,

with presents and special surprises.

Yes, Ruby? Even for the new kids?

Especially for the new kids.

I really want a train set.

I've never had a dollhouse.

What about you, Maggie?

Is there something special you'd like?

I once had a "Biddy Betsy" doll,

but I lost her.

I miss her a lot.

Oh. Well, maybe you could draw a picture of her

to put on the tree.

I'm not very good at drawing.

I'll help.

That's very kind of you, Emily.

All right, everyone.

Let's get to work on these decorations.

Harper?

I didn't get to hear what you wanted for Christmas.

Guess I just want my mom to be happy again.

She really misses my dad.

Well, she has you,

and that's the most important thing in the world.

Come on.

Can I help you pack?

I can handle it myself, thanks.

You want to tell me what's wrong?

Everyone's so happy out there.

It's hard being alone at Christmas.

You bet it is. You've all been so generous.

It's wrong for me to feel sorry for myself.

It's not wrong.

You lost your husband.

Why don't you come by the church tomorrow?

We can talk.

I don't want to put you to any trouble.

I'd tell you if it was trouble.

So tomorrow?

All right.

[♪♪♪]

How's it coming?

Well, it turns out the floorboards are rotted.

We're going to need some more lumber.

Have you started on the apartment

for the Lawsons yet?

No. I figured I'd get to that tomorrow.

I'll head to the mill, see if I can get more lumber.

Thanks, Jesse.

[♪♪♪]

Bill, I need a favor.

What kind of favor?

Think you could cover for me for about an hour?

Mountie business?

Actually, I promised someone

we would pick out a Christmas tree together.

Go ahead.

Consider it an early Christmas present.

Actually, consider it your only Christmas present.

[♪♪♪]

When I was on my rounds yesterday,

I spotted the perfect Christmas tree.

I thought we were going to pick one out together.

We are.

I just thought I'd do a little advance scouting

to save some time, that's all.

So?

What do you think?

Uh, um...

it's...

compact.

Well, it's the perfect fit for your rowhouse.

Or it's exactly what you need for the jail.

[SIGHS]

You don't like it.

[BELLS JINGLING]

Did you hear that?

Yeah, it sounds like sleigh bells.

[RUSTLING]

[♪♪♪]

Over there.

Here, boy!

[♪♪♪]

Come on.

[♪♪♪]

Where'd he go?

I don't know... but it looks like

he just found us the most perfect tree.

[LAUGHS]

It's a beauty, all right.

Sam Bailey, at your service.

Constable Jack Thornton.

This is Elizabeth Thatcher. Hello.

Is that your wagon?

Yeah. It's my wagon and my livelihood.

I pride myself on having just what my customers need.

Hmm. How long do you think you'll be

staying here, Mr. Bailey?

Don't worry about me, Constable.

I'm just passing through on my way to Union City.

Need a hand chopping down that tree?

I think I can handle it, thanks.

All right. I'll leave you to it.

[♪♪♪]

Oh. Hey, honey, I'm home.

Or... maybe I'm in Santa's workshop.

What do you think?

[CHUCKLES] Wow.

I mean, it's, uh...

Hi!

I thought I might as well get started

on the holiday decorating.

"Started?"

You mean you're not finished?

Well, IT don't know.

The trees look a little bare.

You do realize, of course,

that most people have one tree.

We're not most people.

But two trees? Really?

Not two, silly. There's another one upstairs.

Ah. Of course there is.

But now there's hardly enough room for all the furniture.

There is a place for everything and everything's in its place.

Mm-hmm. You know,

you really don't need to go to all this trouble.

It's no trouble at all.

And thankfully, I have the time,

now that Elizabeth is running the Christmas committee.

I never realized what a burden it was.

I thought you enjoyed being in charge of all that stuff.

That was before I was a married woman.

Now I can see it's the perfect job for a spinster

who doesn't have a husband to take care of.

[GASPS] I almost forgot.

I need to rearrange your closet.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. That's okay.

You don't need to do that. I want to.

[SIGHS] Your Christmas present is in the closet,

and-- No, no, no, no, no, no.

I want it to be a surprise.

What is it? Well, if I told you,

it wouldn't be a surprise. Right?

Uh-uh-uh, stay with me. Stay with me.

You're gonna love it, though.

You must be exhausted.

Packing up that camp couldn't have been easy.

Oh. At least we got everyone settled before sundown.

Would you like some dessert?

Oh, you know I love your desserts,

but I gotta turn in early. Oh.

More construction, first thing.

It's gonna be another long day.

Are you gonna have enough strength to help us decorate

that Christmas tree tomorrow night?

Oh, you bet.

[♪♪♪]

I hope you don't mind

that I brought some ornaments of my own.

No, I love them.

Especially this one. Oh, that.

That one was my favorite when I was a kid.

Looks like Rip used it as a chew toy.

I'll fix it.

Mounties are handy at lots of things.

Oh. Well...

how are Mounties

at playing Santa?

Why do you ask?

[SIGHS]

I need someone to help hand out presents after the pageant.

The thing is,

I-I wouldn't want to rob someone

more deserving of the honor.

Please? I really want to make this--

... The best Christmas for the town,

and for the new families, I know.

All T want is to make it the best Christmas for you.

You have something in mind?

As a matter of fact...

there's something I've been meaning to ask you.

And if I'm going to do it, I have to do it now.

Now, as in right now?

Well, it really can't wait.

Would you do me the honor...

the great honor...

...of accompanying me to the Mountie Christmas Ball?

The Mountie Christmas Ball? We won't be long.

Just an afternoon and an evening.

It's in Buxton this year.

I'll hire a horse and a carriage to take us.

Oh, but, um, I have the dinner and the pageant and...

I promise, I'll get you back in time for everything.

Oh, Jack...

Of course.

I'd love to go.

[♪♪♪]

Have you seen my baseball?

It was under the couch the last time I looked.

Oh, but don't play with it in class.

Are those cookies? Yes,

but they are for Christmas Eve, not for breakfast.

Miss Abigail...

if I bring cookies to school,

does that count as being kind and caring?

Well, it does if you do it

because you think it will make your friends happy.

So it doesn't if I want to get a good part

in the Christmas play? I'm afraid not.

What if it's both?

Well, it's a start.

[CHUCKLES] Have a good day, Cody.

The morning stage just came in.

Is there a problem?

He's back.

Careful! T don't want you to fall.

I'm not going to fall unless somebody pushes me.

FAITH: Let's get you home.

You should save your strength.

And you should save your breath.

I'm just fine.

Well, this is a surprise.

[SIGHS] Mayor Gowen refused to stay

in the hospital another day.

Is he going to be okay? He'll be fine.

Right now, he just needs plenty of rest.

But he can go back to work, right?

Abigail...

Henry Gowen's under federal investigation.

He's not allowed to serve as Mayor

unless, or until, he's cleared.

Opal, that is a beautiful house.

It's for Brownie.

I'm making mine for Biddy Betsy,

but I can't get the roof to stay on.

Well, I think you might need some more icing to glue it on.

She can use mine.

Thanks, Cody!

Miss Thatcher?

How come Harper isn't here?

I don't know.

Timmy, did Harper walk with you to school this morning?

His mom said not to wait for him.

[GRANDLY]: Hello, my dear children!

Well, look at all of the wonderful things

you're making for Christmas!

Miss Thatcher says

there's going to be a nativity play,

presents, and a Christmas feast.

Well, Miss Thatcher's going to be very busy with all of that,

and the Mountie Christmas Ball.

[CHILDREN OOHING] You're going to a ball?

With Constable Thornton?

How romantic.

[GIRLS GIGGLING]

ELIZABETH: Oh, all right, everyone.

Let's keep working on our projects.

How did you know I was going to the Mountie Christmas Ball?

Oh, my dear Elizabeth.

The walls at the rowhouses are paper-thin,

and your squeaky voice cuts through like a knife.

But never mind all that.

I am here on a mission of mercy.

Which is?

The Mountie Christmas Ball is not just any social event.

It is the event of the season, and lucky for you,

I have an absolutely stunning gown.

I bought it on my honeymoon and I want you to borrow it.

Thank you, but I'm sure I can find something in my closet.

From two seasons ago?

Oh... I guess it has been a while

since I've gone shopping for a gown.

Let me be your fairy godmother.

As long as you don't turn me into a pumpkin.

You'll make a beautiful Cinderella.

Now, I really must run.

I have some digging to do. Digging?

Well, Lee bought me a Christmas present on our honeymoon.

I haven't been able to find it anywhere!

The only time I can look for it is when he's at work.

Wouldn't that spoil the surprise?

Oh, my dear, half the fun of a surprise

is knowing what it is ahead of time.

[SIGHS]

Here you go.

What's all this for?

We're leaving town.

Leaving?

That's-- That's kind of sudden.

Well, that's the way of things, I guess.

You never told me.

What's there to tell?

There's nothing here for us, not anymore.

Not without Harper's father.

Just think about it for a few days. Stay.

At least until after Christmas.

How can we celebrate Christmas without Virgil?

Put that in the wagon, Harper.

He shouldn't have died.

He was a good man. I know he was.

You don't know anything. I don't need you.

I don't need your church. I don't need any of this!

Yes, you do.

And we need you.

Just let me help.

You want to help?

Then tell God to give me back my husband.

We have to go.

Nancy... Nancy, think about what you're doing here.

Just leave us alone.

ABIGAIL: Hello, Henry.

It's good to see you.

Abigail. What can I do for you?

I heard about the accident,

and I came to see how you were doing.

I-I brought you some muffins.

Well, that's very kind of you. Thank you.

How's Nora?

Is she coming back to take care of you?

You needn't concern yourself with that.

I'm quite fine. Thank you.

Well, then I need to talk to you about some town business.

There are bills that have to be paid.

Well, if you just leave them,

I'll be back in my office tomorrow.

Henry...

you can't go back to being Mayor.

Not yet, anyway.

Well, says who?

The town charter.

You're still under federal investigation,

and, apparently, that means

you can't serve Hope Valley in any capacity

until you've been cleared.

I'm sorry.

Are you?

Seems to me

that you've gotten what you always wanted.

I have a business to run and a child to raise.

I certainly do not want your job.

And yet, you have it.

If you could just answer a few questions

about these invoices...

Well, you are an intelligent woman.

I'm sure you will figure it out.

I don't have your experience, Henry.

No, you do not.

I thought we could work together.

Well, you thought wrong.

You're making this harder than it has to be.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Stanton.

Why should you get to play Mary?

I helped Opal with her spelling test.

I shared my lunch with Ruby.

Is there something wrong, girls?

GIRLS: No.

Good! Because we can't be in the Christmas spirit

if we're fighting with our best friend, now can we?

GIRLS: No.

When I was a kid, we did a Christmas pageant.

and I wanted to be Joseph,

but the-the teacher,

she chose someone else to play the part.

Mm. So what part did you get?

"Shepherd Number Three."

Never could figure out how to be the teacher's pet.

Until now.

Is there a problem, Frank?

[SIGHS]

Nancy Tucker and her boy left town this morning for good.

Oh, no! What happened?

Too many memories.

[SIGHS]

Harper said something yesterday.

I should have spoken with her.

I tried to stop her, but...

I couldn't.

I hate to think of her and her son alone on the road

at Christmas.

Anyway, I'm gonna help Lee

with the houses by the north road.

I feel terrible.

Harper's such a sweet boy.

He was doing so well here.

What can we do?

We could pray for a miracle.

Look, everyone!

[BELLS JINGLING]

Whoa!

Merry Christmas, boys and girls!

Do you think it's Santa?

[♪♪♪]

Come on!

[TAPS WAGON]

[♪♪♪]

Looks like he's taken a shine to you!

I wish I could have a dog. What's his name?

"Dasher." Like the reindeer!

I knew it was Santa!

[♪♪♪]

Did you get my letter about Biddy Betsy?

I'm just an old peddler, sweetheart.

I'm not Santa Claus.

But I'm sure he got your letter.

And you know what?

I think he knows you've been a good girl this year too.

All right, everyone. It's time to go home.

Your parents are waiting for you.

Let's go.

Bye.

Mr. Bailey. I thought you were headed to Union City.

I was, but then, well, I figured

maybe I should stick around a little while longer.

The place sure has grown up since the last time I was here.

When was that?

Oh, so long ago, I've forgotten.

But, what I remember is,

people around here-- Pretty friendly.

Well, they still are,

as long as you abide by the rules.

Aw, I can save you the trouble, son. No selling moonshine.

No selling any home remedies might happen to be moonshine.

No disturbing the peace,

and no disturbing anyone, at all!

Well, unless, of course, they want to be disturbed.

[CHUCKLES]

I think you understand things pretty well.

Some say.

[AIR KISSES]

That a boy.

You're staying till Christmas?

Guess that kind of depends on what people around here need.

It's like I said before,

I'm good at helping folks find what they're looking for.

Like the perfect Christmas tree?

[CHUCKLES] Something like that.

[BELLS JINGLING]

I don't think I've been this busy in my entire life.

Well, if you're concerned about

becoming Mayor, Abigail,

I don't blame you, it's a tall order.

So you don't think I can handle it?

I didn't say that.

Then what are you saying?

I'm just saying that

it's a big job for a...

For a what?

Well, for a...

...For a busy businesswoman and mother, like yourself.

It's just a lot of responsibility.

I see.

But since you're my business partner,

I guess you'd have no problem running the cafe

if I take over as Mayor for a while.

Unless, of course, it's too much responsibility...

for you.

Bring on the apron.

[♪♪♪]

Looking for somethin' special?

I don't suppose you have any hair jewels, do you?

Afraid I don't have anything quite so fancy.

Neither does Mr. Yost.

And the Mountie Ball is in three days.

And you'll be the belle of that ball,

with or without those fancy hair bobs.

Well, it seems like the mercantile's

out of just about everything this week.

Maybe I can help.

Do you have any pepper?

I'm trying to make a shepherd's pie.

Oh, actually, it's paprika that you need.

Right.

Paprika. It's my first time.

I'm not a very good cook.

Well, I wasn't any good at first either.

It just takes practice.

Paprika. Let me see.

Um...

Nope. I'm all out.

But maybe you've got some, in your pantry.

I do!

In fact, I was planning on making

a shepherd's pie later tonight.

You could come by, if you like,

and we could make it together?

I'd like that! All right. See you soon.

Great!

Yeah, makes a fella happy--

Seeing folks getting together for the holidays,

caring for each other, giving kindness.

Now, that's what the Christmas spirit's

all about, wouldn't you say?

That's exactly what I'd say.

I guess it's a lucky thing you were out of paprika.

Yep. Lucky indeed, hmm.

[♪♪♪]

[EXHALES CONTENTEDLY]

Hopefully, this place doesn't need too much work.

Well, it's only been vacant for six months.

How bad could it be?

[SIGHING HEAVILY]

I remember it being different.

Ah, it's not as bad as it looks.

My crew'll get it fixed up in no time.

We just got to replace that window,

panel up the walls, fix that hole.

JACK: No, it was for the chimney that was connected--

...to the stove, which isn't there anymore.

The Lawsons can't live here this time of year

without a stove. Well, what are the chances

of getting one by Christmas? If I know Elizabeth,

she'll find a way to make it happen.

Okay, well, let's get to it.

[CAN CRASHES]

[DOOR CREAKS]

You want to tell me what you're doing?

My apologies.

I knocked over your trash, but I'm putting everything back.

Doesn't look like "everything."

I kept a few scraps for Dasher. That's him over there.

The dog eats scones?

He has a refined palate.

Do I know you?

Could be.

You look familiar yourself.

Do you play golf, by chance?

No.

Didn't I arrest you once?

Dougall Flats, petty theft?

The arm of the law has embraced me from time to time,

but those days are long gone.

I'm a peddler, not a thief.

Well, there can't be much of a profit in being a peddler.

Helping people find what they need is what I do best,

but it is more of a calling

than a way to make a living,

but that's all right.

Well, maybe for you,

but I bet Dasher might like something

a little better than a stale scone.

You wait here and I'll heat up some leftover stew.

You're kinder than Saint Nicholas himself.

Well, I wouldn't go that far.

Oh, there's nothing wrong with spreading a little happiness.

Dasher, boy.

Hey, honey.

Well!

Would you look at that?

Isn't it amazing?

No candles?

Lee, candles are so passe.

Welcome to Christmas in the 20th century.

If you say so.

Now, you just settle in right there

while I finish making dinner.

All right.

Here's your newspaper. Thank you.

Thank goodness I have the time

to take care of my husband the way he truly deserves.

I don't want you to take this the wrong way,

but maybe you take care of me just a little too well.

I just want you to be happy.

I'm always happy when I'm around you.

[CHUCKLES]

Now I need to get back to the stove!

I've made all your favorites.

Steak-and-potato pie, Yorkshire pudding,

dumplings and gravy.

What, all in the same night?

They say the way to a man's heart

is through his stomach.

They say anything about heartburn?

Hmm? Nothing.

[CHUCKLING]

You know, I'd never had shepherd's pie

until I came to Hope Valley.

Now I think it's my favorite.

Well, next time, we can try spaghetti.

Sounds like fun!

Are you going back to Hamilton for Christmas?

No.

I thought I'd be spending the holidays with my fiancé, but...

You know it wasn't right with him.

I know.

To tell you the truth,

I was worried I'd be spending the holidays alone.

Well, we are not going to let that happen.

If you have some free time, I could really use

some extra help on the Christmas Committee.

Okay!

Well, I'd better get out of your way.

Let you plan for the Mountie Ball.

Oh, so you've heard about that?

Oh, ho! I think everyone has.

You and Jack are going to make a lovely couple.

Thank you. If you run across

any eligible Mountie bachelors while you're there,

will you wrap one up for me?

With a big, red bow.

[LAUGHS]

Working on your sermon for Christmas Eve?

I am so sorry.

I lost track of time. No, that's okay.

Cody and I decorated the tree.

and then I heard you were here,

so I brought you some dessert.

Oh, that's awfully kind of you.

So how's it coming?

Four drafts, none of them good.

Oh. Still searching for the right inspiration?

Something like that.

Well, just take a look around town...

all the happy faces, that should help.

Not everyone's smiling.

Frank, I know you're upset about Nancy,

but you did all you could.

Yeah, and it wasn't good enough.

You're being too hard on yourself.

You know, I asked everyone in the settlement

where they might have gone,

and no one knows.

You can't fix everyone.

Nancy's not everyone, Abigail.

I watched her husband die...

couldn't do anything about it.

My father used to say we're all soldiers.

Sometimes, we win...

and sometimes, we lose.

But we fight the good fight,

and that's what matters.

And if you don't believe me...

ask Him.

Thank you.

The gentlemen at the table near the door

would like to talk to the cook. What do they want?

They say they don't like their eggs.

[CLATTERS]

Somebody here got a problem with my eggs?

Are you the cook?

Yeah. And I get really steamed

when people don't like what I serve.

So let me ask you again-- You got a problem with my eggs?

No.

No problem. Good.

Make sure you leave the little lady a nice tip.

[ROLLING PIN TAPS TABLE]

How's your breakfast, Constable?

No complaints here, Bill.

[CHUCKLES]

Hey, Jack! I'm glad I found you.

Everything okay?

Actually, no. Um...

I bought Rosemary a piece of jewelry for Christmas

at an auction at Sotheby's.

Right there. Paid a pretty penny for it too.

I went to get it this morning-- It was gone.

Oh, well... you sure it didn't crawl away?

Ha-ha. Make fun all you like, but I will have you know

these are all the rage in New York right now.

Lady Astor has one just like it.

Anyway, it was in a jewelry box

at the bottom of my trunk.

And you think it was stolen?

Well, it must've been. It was there yesterday.

Mr. Coulter. Can I get you anything?

Actually, no. Um, couldn't eat a bite.

Rosemary's been stuffing me like a holiday turkey.

I do like the apron, though.

Oh, thanks. I got it from Sam.

Sam? The peddler?

Does anybody know anything about him?

I sent a wire to Mountie HQ.

No one has ever heard of "Sam Bailey."

Well, that's strange.

He told me he did some jail time.

They couldn't find any records.

Interesting. Gentlemen!

How fortunate to catch you all together.

Well, how can we help you, Miss Thatcher?

I am here on official Christmas business.

Which is? Well, so far,

none of the men in this town have stepped forward

to play Santa on Christmas Eve,

so I don't care how you boys do it,

just find someone to volunteer.

Yes, ma'am.

Um, Elizabeth-- Hmm?

With you in charge of Christmas this year,

Rosemary has a lot of free time on her hands,

which isn't necessarily a good thing.

So I was wondering if maybe you might--

If I could give her something to do?

It would save me a great deal of indigestion, yes.

Consider it done. Thank you. I owe you.

How's it going? You tell me.

Bill hasn't shot any of my customers, has he?

Um, I don't think so. Well, that's good.

I have to get a new town budget approved by New Year's.

It's gonna be a while before I'm in front of that stove again.

Christmas Eve is only three days away.

Sure you can handle the banquet?

Bill will do most of the cooking,

but I'll do the coordinating.

Just wish I had more time to spend with Cody.

Well, if you don't have a gift for him yet,

I happen to know he wants a dog.

He's getting a baseball cap.

[LAUGHING]

Well, IT am officially out of a job,

just in time for Christmas.

Henry fired you? Oh, that's right,

and he won't let Nurse Carter anywhere near him.

It's like he's trying to shut out the world.

I thought I could get through to him, but I can't.

I need a cup of tea, please. Oh.

Maybe you should talk to him, Abigail.

I could try, but the last time I did,

he nearly bit my head off.

He listens to you more than anyone else.

Well...

I may be unemployed,

but on the bright side,

Rosemary brought over the gown

she's loaning you for the Mountie Christmas Ball.

I have all the time in the world to do the alterations.

Alterations?

She said it needs to be let out in the waist,

and taken in at...

other places.

Excuse me?

"Other places"?

[♪♪♪]

Can I give Dasher a treat?

[BARKING] That sounds like a yes.

You must be excited,

with Christmas right around the corner.

I guess so.

Well, is something wrong?

It's the nativity pageant.

My friend, Anna, and I both want to play Mary.

Ah. And you think you deserve it more.

Well, I do.

Well, seeing as it's Christmas,

maybe you should let your friend have the part.

Well, seeing as it's Christmas,

maybe she should let me have the part.

It's always better to give than receive.

You take Dasher, here,

why did you ask to feed him a treat?

Because dogs like treats. You see?

It's not the joy you get from something,

it's the joy you get from giving something.

[MUNCHING]

My teacher said the same thing.

Well, she's one smart lady.

I have to find Anna.

You're up early, Pastor.

Got work to do.

Ah. Finish that sermon?

You ask too many questions.

You sound like a man who's lost the Christmas spirit, my friend.

I got just the thing for it. Right here.

Dr. Othon's Miracle Elixir.

I don't look for answers in the bottom of a bottle.

I'm guessing there was a time when you did.

Ancient history. And then...

you found answers from above?

Pretty much.

Least till now.

What changed?

Couldn't help a friend.

She took her son and left town.

It seems to me you've had it pretty easy here so far.

Town of good, God-fearing people...

Maybe the fact you've been given a challenge

means you're ready for something more.

Or maybe I'm not.

Got my work cut out for me with this one.

[♪♪♪]

[EXHALES]

If I get a Biddy Betsy for Christmas,

she can have a tea party with Brownie.

Brownie would like that.

They can visit Ruby's dollhouse.

Maggie? If you and Opal want to come

to the cafe with your doll, you can have a real tea party.

Do you really mean it?

I'll ask Miss Abigail, but I bet she'll say yes.

Miss Thatcher? Mm-hmm?

Anna and I need to talk to you.

About what?

We've been thinking about the pageant,

and we think Ruby should get to play Mary.

You do? HATTIE: She's new.

It would mean a lot to her.

But I thought you both wanted to play Mary.

We did, but we decided that being friends is more important

than fighting all the time.

[♪♪♪]

Emily?

Is there something wrong?

This was Harper's ornament.

You miss him, don't you?

Yeah.

When I'm worried about someone, I say a prayer for them.

I'll say a prayer for Harper at bedtime.

I will too.

[♪♪♪]

Well, Mr. Newlywed, how's married life?

It's everything I thought it would be.

I've done enough interrogations

to know an evasive answer when I hear one.

The first rule of a happy marriage,

never do anything that Rosemary might take the wrong way.

Gentlemen!

How are we going to settle this?

Darts.

Loser wears the big red suit.

So who goes first?

I feel lucky.

Well, I guess we know who's playing Santa.

As someone wise once said, there's nothing wrong

with spreading a little happiness.

♪ Deck the halls With boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season To be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la ♪

♪ Don we now Our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carols ♪

♪ Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la ♪

Only three days till Christmas,

and there's still lots to do.

It'll all be taken care of by the time we leave.

♪ Deck the halls With boughs of holly ♪

It's been years since I've been to a Christmas Ball,

and I've never been to a Mountie Ball.

To tell you the truth, I'm a little nervous.

Nervous? Why?

There is gonna be dancing.

And?

And I'm pretty good at the two-step,

but I've never really gotten the hang of the waltz.

The waltz is easy.

Do you think that you could show me?

[LAUGHING]

Right here, right now?

Yeah. Why not?

Well, there isn't any music.

[MUSIC BOX PLAYING]

I couldn't help overhearing.

[♪♪♪]

I'll leave you to it.

[CHUCKLING]

[♪♪♪]

Okay, put one hand here...

and your other hand goes on my waist.

I like this already.

Jack, you're not paying attention.

Now, that's where you're wrong.

[♪♪♪]