Elizabeth comes up with a plan to keep the widows from moving out of town; they receive an eviction notice from the Coal Company to make way for new miner recruits.
Elizabeth assists a mute student who is having a difficult time coping with the death of her father; Jack looks into 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; the evidence points to Cat and Gabe becomes upset by the idea of his mother being imprisoned for something she didn't do.
Abigail takes in Carla Noonan, a pregnant widow, to keep an eye on her health while Coal Valley's doctor is away; the new coal miners arrive; Elizabeth is immediately charmed by young miner Billy Hamilton.
Elizabeth feels caught between overprotective Jack and new miner Billy Hamilton; when Jack tells her he has proof Billy lied to her, Elizabeth decides she's had enough; Abigail suggests Jack try a gentler approach to reach Elizabeth.
Abigail is encouraged to reopen Coal Valley's dilapidated and abandoned café and make it her own after Elizabeth raves about Abigail's baking; Jack and Elizabeth are at odds after Elizabeth's brief romance with a dishonest miner.