Original subtitles

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 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 how much we care.

I agree 100%. So, do you think you can get it all here before Christmas Eve?

Shouldn't be a problem. Great. I'll come by later with a grocery order. I wonder

what Miss Laveau 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?

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 at Mrs. Sullivan's and we just started work over

at the dentist's office.

And what about the old houses by the North Road?

Seven houses is going to take some time. Tell the truth, I need to find a few

more 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 go home by Christmas, and I intend to deliver.

Christmas is only a week away.

Would you please stop worrying?

I wish I knew how.

I don't know how we're going to pull off a Christmas Eve banquet.

And this building project, if you ask me, is far too ambitious.

I think it's fantastic.

Any word on when Mayor Gowan is coming back?

Faith was going to check on him while she was in Union City, but I haven't

heard anything.

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 clearly state that when

the mayor is absent, the head of the council will assume 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 o'clock. 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 Rosemary. Bite your tongue.

Woo-hoo! Merry Christmas!

Ah, speak of the devil.

Okay.

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. Yep, that would be me.

Just think, this is our very first Christmas as a married couple.

And I hate to disappoint you all, but I absolutely do not have time to head the

Christmas committee this year. So someone else...

We'll 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.

Constable Thornton, can I play with Rip?

Of course you can, Cody. He's in the jail.

Oh, Cody, hold on. That reminds me. I 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? No, 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.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Careful.

It's heavy.

What has Rosemary gotten here? Lead?

Souvenirs. Like the Statue of Liberty?

I can't believe you hauled this thing 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, you and Elizabeth have big plans for the holidays?

Yep.

But she doesn't know it yet.

Okay. All right, here we come.

Can I get your attention?

Listen up, everyone.

We're lucky we haven't had much snow up on the high ground here yet.

People in town know it's getting cold, so they're inviting you to stay with

them until we finish building your homes.

Oh, we can't impose like that.

Oh, sure you can.

Nurse Carter is here to help make all the arrangements.

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, Mr. Lawson. 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.

Nancy, let me help you with that.

I'll be fine.

You sure? It looks pretty heavy.

I said I'll be fine.

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 nativity 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.

Um, Miss Thatcher, will we have to audition like we did for Miss Rosemary's

plays? I'm going to 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 Betty 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.

I 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.

Want to tell me what's wrong?

Everyone is so happy out there.

It's hard being alone at Christmas.

I 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?

You can tell him.

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

I'd tell you if it was trouble.

But tomorrow?

All right.

How's it coming?

Well, it turns out the floorboards are rotted.

We're going to need some more lumber.

You start out in the apartment for the Lawsons yet?

No. I figure 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?

Money 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 advanced scouting to save some time, that's all.

So?

What do you think?

Um, it's... compact.

Well, it's a perfect fit for your row house.

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

You don't like it.

Did you hear that?

Yeah, sounds like sleigh bells.

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.

It's a beauty, all right.

Sam Bailey, at your service.

Constable Jack Thornton, this is Elizabeth Thatcher. Hello.

Is that your wagon?

Yep, it's my wagon and my livelihood.

I pride myself on having just what my customers need.

And 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.

Hey, honey. I'm home.

Or maybe I'm in Santa's workshop.

What do you think?

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, I 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... Too silly. There's another one upstairs.

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.

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.

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?

Yeah, I'll 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.

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.

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.

Mm-hmm.

I hope you don't mind that I brought some ornaments of my own. No, I love

them.

Especially this one.

Oh, 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.

Well,

how are Mounties at playing Santa?

Why do you ask?

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

The thing is, 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 I want is to make it the best Christmas for you.

Do 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?

I 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 evening. It's in Buxton this year.

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

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

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, is 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.

Have a good day, Cody.

The morning stage just came in.

Is there a problem?

He's back.

Careful, I don't want you to fall.

I'm not going to fall unless somebody pushes me. Let's get you home.

You should save your strength.

Yeah, you should save your breath. I'm just fine.

Now, this is a surprise.

Mayor Gowan 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 Gowan'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 Betty Betsy, but I can't get the roof to stay on.

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

She can use mine.

Thanks, Cody.

Ms. 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.

Hello, my dear children.

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.

You're going to a ball?

With Constable Thornton? How romantic.

Oh, all right, everyone. Let's keep working on our projects.

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

My dear Elizabeth, the walls of the row houses are paper thin, and your squeaky

voice cuts through them 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 while we were 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.

Here you go.

What's all this for?

We're leaving town.

Leaving? 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 now 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 on 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.

Hello, Henry.

It's good to see you.

Abigail?

What can I do for you?

I've heard about the accident, and I came to see how you were doing.

I brought you some muffins.

Well, it'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... And I need to talk to you about some town business.

There are bills that have to be paid.

Well, if you just leave then, then I'll be back in my office tomorrow.

Henry, you can't go back to being mayor.

Not yet, anyway.

No, 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.

All right.

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're 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, Miss Nebb.

Why should you get to play Mary?

I helped Opal with her spelling test.

I showed my lunch with Ruby.

Is something wrong, girls?

No. Good.

Because we can't be in the Christmas spirit if we're fighting with our best

friend, now can we?

No.

When I was a kid, we did a Christmas pageant, and I wanted to be Joseph, but

the teacher, she chose someone else to play the part.

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?

Nancy Tucker and her boy left town this morning for good. Oh, no.

What happened?

Too many memories.

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 going to help Lee with the houses by the North Road.

I feel terrible.

Harper's such a sweet boy.

And he was doing so well here.

What can we do?

We can pray for a miracle.

Look, everyone!

Oh!

Merry Christmas, boys and girls!

Come on.

Looks like he's taking a shine to you.

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

Dasher. Like the reindeer.

I knew a Santa.

Did you get my letter about Betty 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. And this 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.

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.

I think you understand things pretty well.

Some say.

Shut up, boy.

You're staying till Christmas?

I guess that kind of depends on what people around here need.

Just like I said before, I'm good at helping people find what they're looking

for. Like the perfect Christmas tree?

Yeah, something like that.

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.

Well, 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.

Oh, looking for something special.

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

have anything quite so fancy.

Ah, they're just 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.

Uh, 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.

Oh, I wasn't any good at first either. Just takes practice.

Paprico. Let me see.

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.

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're out of paprika.

Yep, lucky indeed.

Well, hopefully this place doesn't need too much work.

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

How bad could it be?

I remember being different.

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

My crew will get it fixed up in no time. Just got to replace that window, panel

up the walls, fix that hole.

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, let's get to it.

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.

Dog eats scones? He has a refined palate.

Do I know you?

Could be.

You look familiar yourself.

Did you play golf by chance?

No. Didn't I arrest you once?

Dougal 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 that Dasher might like something a little better

than a stale scone.

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

You're kinder than St. Nicholas himself.

Well, I wouldn't go that far.

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

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. Look, 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.

Now I need to get back to the stove. I've made all your favorites, steak and

potato pie, Yorkshire pudding, dumplings and gravy.

All on the same night?

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Say anything about heartburn?

Nothing.

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.

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.

Working on your sermon for Christmas Eve?

Oh, I am so sorry.

I lost track of time.

Oh, it'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.

Still searching for the right inspiration?

Something like that.

Well, just take a look around town at 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 gentleman 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.

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.

How's your breakfast, Constable?

No complaints here, Bill.

Hey, Jack.

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. 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 have 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.

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, Ms. 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, um... 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.

Oh, that's good. 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. Are you sure you can handle the banquet,

Abigail? Well, 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 really wants a

dog.

He's getting a baseball cap.

Well, I 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.

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

Alterations? She said it needs to be let out in the waste and taken in at...

other places.

Excuse me?

Other places?

Yeah.

Can I give Dasher a treat?

That sounds like a yes.

You must be excited with Christmas right around the corner.

I guess so.

There was 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.

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.

My teacher said the same thing.

Well, she's one smart lady.

I have to find in.

You're up early, Pastor.

Got work to do.

Yeah. 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. Orthon'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.

At least till now.

What changed?

Couldn't help a friend.

She took her son and left town.

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.

a bitty 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.

You really mean it?

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

Miss Thatcher, 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?

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 her 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.

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.

Only

three

days till Christmas and there's still lots to do.

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

It's been years since I've been to a Christmas ball.

And I've never been to a Mountie ball.

Tell you the truth, I'm a little nervous.

Nervous? Why?

There's gonna be dancing.

And?

And I'm pretty good at the two-step, but I've never really gotten the hang of the

waltz.

Waltz is easy.

Do you think that you could show me?

Right here, right now?

Yeah. Why not?

Well, there isn't any music.

I couldn't help overhearing.

I'll leave you to it.

You 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.