Abigail and the widowed wives receive notices from The Pacific Northwest Mining Company asking them to evict their company-owned homes within 14 days to make room for new miners.
Elizabeth helps a mute student who is struggling to cope with the death of her father; Jack investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding the burning of Coal Valley's only church.
After finding the cans of whale oil, Jack investigates Cat Montgomery for her possible involvement in the church arson case. When the evidence points to Cat, Gabe becomes infuriated by the idea of his mother being imprisoned for something she didn't do.
When a group of new male miners comes to Coal Valley, many of the town's women get caught up in the idea of the single men. One of the new miners begins courting Elizabeth and Jack seems to have concerns that resemble jealousy.
The Miners' Games allow the townspeople to cut loose and have a little fun; Elizabeth and Billy Hamilton spend more time together; Jack investigates a series of robberies that are plaguing Coal Valley.
Abigail must pay a steep price to complete a top-secret project she's been working on; one of Elizabeth's students has trouble reading so she enlists Jack's help for a creative solution; Abigail gives Jack some fine advice on a woman like Elizabeth.
Elizabeth must put on the Coal Valley Founders' Day play on short notice; the only surviving miner from the explosion comes home from the hospital with a shocking surprise; Jack has a heart-to-heart with Adam in hopes of bringing them back together.
Abigail does some detective work and learns more about Gowen's dangerous conduct leading up to the mine disaster; Julie Thatcher is becoming closer with Nathaniel when the rest of the Tolliver gang arrives in Coal Valley.
Jack is back in Coal Valley along with an unexpected visitor that threatens he and Elizabeth's relationship; Elizabeth receives some unforeseen news that will force her to make a very difficult decision.
Bill Avery continues his investigation into the mine explosion with help from Jack; a budding romance grows between Bill and Abigail; Elizabeth struggles to make a decision about the teaching offer.
