RECAP: When Calls the Heart: “Open Hearts”

In Hope Valley, the wedding of the year between Elizabeth Thatcher and Jack Thornton is quickly approaching, with all of their friends helping with the preparations some more than others. But the situation with the local bank is still preeminent in their minds and one of the school children is crushed about the possibility that Miss Thatcher – once she marries Mountie Jack – might not ever come back as the town’s school teacher.

Will Cooler Heads Prevail

Obviously the town is extremely worried about what is happening with the local bank since Mr. Jenkins closed the doors. Since Abigail is the town mayor all of the residents are looking to her from guidance. While she asks for cooler heads to prevail, seeking their patience, she revealed to Bill that she really didn’t know what to do.

Thankfully later in the episode, Abigail addressed the town’s merchants, asking them to extend credit to their customers, and if need be the town would sell off land that it owns in order to help cover the debt.

A Little Boy’s Concern

Little Philip Cantrell was so excited to be included in Miss Thatcher and Mountie Jack’s wedding until he overhead two of the older boys at school talking about how Miss Thatcher will probably not come back to teaching once she is married to Mountie Jack. His overwhelming concern was cemented even more when he overhead Miss Thatcher and Abigail talking. He heard Elizabeth say that she and Jack were going to Chicago. What he didn’t hear clearly was they are going there for their honeymoon.

As upset as he was, he went missing for a few hours, causing great concern in the town. Elizabeth and Jack found him at his favorite spot along the pond where he loves to find tadpoles, and Elizabeth was able to allay his fears that she will not leave Hope Valley.

A Blessing, A Departure and a Change of Heart(s)

Jack set out for Hamilton in order to get the blessing of Elizabeth’s father for their impending nuptials; and while for a few minutes it seemed that William was not in favor of the match, Jack won him over by saying, “I will devote my life to making her happy.”

Meanwhile, Carson helped out Sophia in her architectural goals by assisting her in getting a job in San Francisco, as the city was trying to recover from a devastating earthquake. Her skills as an architect were greatly needed there, and while she would be leaving Hope Valley, her short visit and time spent with Carson made him realize that his heart is open to moving on from the loss of his wife.

Also Clara finally had a change of heart where her “break” with Jesse is concerned. After defending Jesse against Henry Gowen (sometimes his darker side still rears its ugly head), she realized that she wants him back in her life.

To Elope or Not to Elope

With all of the preparations for their wedding being handled by so many friends in town, Elizabeth and Jack were overwhelmed by the support but also taken a bit by surprise that their special day wasn’t being planned the way they wanted. It seemed they were going to elope [until little Philip went MIA], but in the end they realized they couldn’t do that to their friends, but they did finally tell them all that it was THEIR special day and needed to be planned THEIR way. That insistence may have only lasted for 5 seconds where Bill and Rosemary are concerned, but I have a feeling that Elizabeth and Jack will get the wedding they want after all.

Some Old, Some New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue

I have to admit it was sweet watching the ladies of Hope Valley giving Elizabeth her gifts for the wedding. Old: bracelet from Rosemary [which was worn by her grandmother]; New: handmade napkins from Clara; Borrowed: cultured pearl earrings from Abigail. While they didn’t seem to have the something blue (just yet) for Elizabeth, I’m pretty sure they will save that special gift for the big event.

Opening Up

And best of all, Jack finally opened up (at least a little bit) to Elizabeth about what happened in the Northern Territories. I can’t imagine, though, that just losing one young recruit is all that he experienced, but at least he opened up and hopefully there will be more sharing between the couple.

How are you liking the season so far? What have been your favorite moments? Anything you haven’t liked? Please share your thoughts in our comments section below.

The wedding we have all been waiting to take place will finally happen on When Calls the Heart when it airs its next new episode of its current season on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, March 18 at 9/8c.

[Photo Credit: Hallmark Channel]