Abigail ushers in a new era by bringing telephones to Hope Valley; the saloon is in need of ownership; Elizabeth enjoys new motherhood, but returning to teaching proves challenging; Rosemary sees a potential romance between Faith and Carson.
Carson has to admit that he cares more about Faith than he has let on; the whole town buzzes with curiosity about the charming new saloon owner, Lucas Bouchard; Elizabeth teaches a student the importance of taking a chance on oneself.
After a judge is intimidated into releasing two gunrunners, Bill recruits an old friend to help him track the criminals down; Abigail and Lucas clash over the saloon's late hours; Carson and Faith must decide whether to pursue their feelings.
A new Mountie arrives earlier than expected; Bill and Nathan jump right to work when Lee's payroll is stolen; at the school, friends turn against each other when a mock debate goes awry; Carson and Faith try to keep their romance a secret.
Elizabeth confronts Nathan about his parenting style; Bill is offered a judgeship, but is unsure if he wants to take it; Rosemary hosts a girls-only night; Faith and Carson's romance blooms; Jesse finds surface oil, but can't afford to drill.
Gowen strikes oil, which splits Hope Valley into the haves and have-nots; Bill must settle a dispute among landowners; Nathan urges Bill to re-examine the judgeship offer; Rosemary must come clean to Lee about a deep, emotional anxiety she feels.
Trying to stay on Elizabeth's good side, Lucas sets up a library for the town; Allie tricks Harper, Robert and Opal into believing the town has a haunted house; Bill conducts his first trial as a judge in Hope Valley when Jesse sues Gowen.
Lucas' past comes back to haunt him and others in Hope Valley; Lee and Gowen compete for workers; an old friend arrives with a new orphan.
At the Founders' Day Festival, Elizabeth makes a move that might affect her future; an orphan struggles to accept his new life; Bill finds startling information about Gowen.