Helped by Jack, Bill investigates the mine explosion, while Elizabeth must decide whether to accept a job offer back East or remain in Coal Valley.

Jack and Elizabeth's reunion is threatened by the appearance of a woman from Jack's past. Abigail welcomes forensics investigator Bill Avery to town.

As Elizabeth yearns for the absent Jack, Abigail pumps Gowen for details about the mine disaster, and Julie grows close to fugitive outlaw Nathaniel.

Elizabeth's visiting sister causes a stir when she brings a wounded man to town, while Jack invites Elizabeth to a romantic dinner at Abigail's café.

Adam, the mine disaster's sole survivor, finally returns home but struggles to readjust. On short notice, Elizabeth puts on the Founders' Day play.

Eager to start her life anew, Abigail concocts a bold but costly business proposition, while Elizabeth and Jack go to bat for a struggling student.

As the town readies for the Miners' Games, Elizabeth and Billy's courtship heats up, and Jack investigates some thefts he suspects Billy is behind.

The arrival of new miners in Coal Valley creates excitement among the townswomen, but Jack regards Billy, Elizabeth's earnest suitor, with suspicion.

Jack questions Cat about the fire after finding whale oil cans in her shed, while Elizabeth is baffled when a poor student gives her a costly gift.

While Jack investigates the suspicious church fire, Elizabeth tries to figure out why little Rosaleen can't speak and is terrified of miner Wendell.

When the coal company orders the town's widows to move and make way for new miners, Abigail devises a plan to keep the women in their homes.

As Elizabeth nervously faces her first day of teaching, Jack must figure out which doomed miner wrote a personal message on a plank found in the mine.