"Along Came a Spider" is the fourth episode in the eleventh season of When Calls the Heart. It originally aired on April 28 in 2024.
Synopsis[]
It's Easter in Hope Valley. Elizabeth organizes an egg hunt with help from Nathan. A visitor from Lucas's past gets the town talking. Angela and Cooper seek to mend a relationship.
Plot[]
[]
The Thornton and Coulter families stroll toward town, discussing Lucas's upcoming Easter radio address. Lee questions the need for a live audience, but Elizabeth says Lucas wants the audience there to remind him he's speaking to real people. Jack asks Elizabeth if he can attend the broadcast instead of going to daycare, but Elizabeth says no. Jack then asks if he can go to school with her, reminding her that next year he'll be big enough to go all the time. Since today the children are decorating Easter eggs, she jokes that it'll be an "egg-cellent" morning for Jack to come to school.
At the saloon, a large crowd has gathered for the radio broadcast. Bill, Nathan and Lee speculate that there will probably be Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's speeches as well. Nathan asks Elizabeth what she thinks this speech is all about, and she says it might have something to do with a certain Easter Bunny. As Lucas emerges from his office, Elizabeth goes over to speak to him, just as Rosemary begins telling Bill about her idea for how to get Lucas to remember how he was shot. Mike interjects; he is confused because he thought the shooter had already been found. Bill and Rosemary again express their doubts about the veracity of the newspaper report. Rosemary suggests hypnosis to help Lucas remember what happened. Mike remarks that it worked for Sherlock Holmes, but then Faith chimes in, sharing her medical opinion that hypnosis is unreliable and potentially dangerous. Rosemary loudly exclaims that having a murderer running around free is also dangerous. Bill tries to remind her to be quiet about those suspicions, and Lee points out that it was an attempted murder.
Edwin steps up to the podium, announcing the broadcast will begin. Lucas greets the audience, referring to Hope Valley as his hometown. He says that Easter is a time of new beginnings, as Elizabeth looks over at Nathan. He looks back over at her, as Lucas announces the building of 1000 new homes, apartments, and rowhouses for the people who will be part of the expansion of the Cape Fullerton Harbor. Next, he announces his team is accepting proposals to build the Hope Valley Resort. The crowd applauds, and Lucas proclaims the first annual Governor's Easter Egg Hunt, which will take place in Hope Valley. He thanks the audience and wishes everyone a happy Easter, as they applaud again.
As Lee, Rosemary, and Elizabeth go forward to congratulate Lucas, Bill compliments Lucas and Elizabeth for behaving in a mature way despite their split; it looks like they've moved on amicably. Nathan agrees, as Bill sympathizes that things would be easier for Nathan if Lucas was away in Capital City. Nathan tries to protest that it makes no difference to him, but Bill knows better, patting him on the shoulder as he leaves. Elizabeth, who is standing near Lucas, turns back toward Nathan, and he tries to smile, but seems unsettled.
Act One[]
After the speech, Nathan and Elizabeth are chatting about her involvement in the Easter egg hunt as they leave the saloon. Lucas had consulted with Elizabeth about it; he had some pretty grand ideas. Nathan wonders what they were, and Elizabeth replies that Edwin was going to wear a giant bunny costume. Nathan says he would love to see that, but Elizabeth has convinced Lucas not to do the bunny costume. Nathan jokes that Elizabeth is no fun. Elizabeth insists she is a lot of fun, but it's her job to remind Lucas to keep things simple. She elaborates that it's a self-appointed job, and then Nathan begins joking that he, her constituents, the town of Hope Valley, and Edwin thank her. Nathan realizes he and Elizabeth are not walking toward the school, but she's headed toward the daycare to pick up Jack and bring him with her to school. Nathan offers to help Elizabeth with the Easter egg hunt.
Back at the saloon, Bill, Rosemary, Lee, and Mike discuss the shooting. Lee wonders what Bill's next step would be, if it turned out Montague was involved. Bill says it would be up to Lucas, just as he approaches. Rosemary wonders if Lucas has remembered anything. Lucas hasn't, but will let Rosemary know if he does. However, right now, he's focused on the future, not the past. Lucas asks Bill to attend a meeting with the mayor of Benson Hills. Mike wonders if this is about the resort, and Lucas nods. Lee reminds them that he warned Edwin that half the property was in the township of Benson Hills. Lucas wants to get Benson Hills on board with the resort project as soon as possible, and Bill needs to attend the meeting in his capacity as mayor. Bill reminds Lucas he's just the acting mayor, but Lucas still wants him to be there. Bill doesn't want to go to the meeting; it sounds like a bunch of hot air. Lee points out that officially, Mike is still the mayor. Mike says he can't meet with the mayor of Benson Hills, and Lucas asks why not. It turns out one of Mike's five overbearing sisters has just been elected mayor of Benson Hills. Lucas thinks it's a good thing that Mike has a family connection, but Mike disagrees; Maisie is impossible to reason with. Lucas jokingly asks Mike if he's afraid of Maisie, and he admits that he is. Rosemary volunteers Lee to go with Mike to the meeting for moral support.
At school, the children are sitting outside at tables, dyeing their Easter eggs. Jack wonders if this is what school is always like, and Elizabeth says no; they usually learn things like arithmetic, reading, and science. Minnie brings over more eggs, and Elizabeth thanks her since the children have already gone through the first batch. At their table, Talia is concerned that Sarah's egg isn't dry yet and she'll turn the yellow dye into orange. Sarah worries that Talia's egg will make the dye turn green. Elizabeth needs to go over to their table to talk to them, and tells Jack she will be right back. Jack still needs help with his egg, so Allie offers to pitch in. Elizabeth asks Talia and Sarah if they've listened to each other's point of view so they can reach a compromise. Talia suggests they divide the yellow, and Sarah says they can make a green bowl and an orange bowl. The girls agree on this plan and shake hands. Cooper comments to Minnie that Elizabeth's advice to the girls could also be good advice for Joseph and his estranged brother. Toby is putting an intricate design on his Easter eggs, the way his mother taught him, and has brought some examples to copy. As he describes the process, Elizabeth realizes he's dividing fractions.
On their way back to daycare, Elizabeth asks Jack what he thought of school. Jack says it was fun, but it's like Elizabeth is everybody's mom. Elizabeth promises Jack that although she is everyone's teacher, she's only his mom, and that's the most important thing to her. Faith approaches with Lily, who is dressed in fairy wings and a magic wand. Elizabeth wonders if it's a special occasion, but it turns out Lily just insisted on wearing them. Molly greets Jack and Lily at the door, and they run inside to play with the other children. Elizabeth and Faith discuss how Lily is adjusting. Faith says they're both doing well, but second-guesses her decision to let Lily wear the fairy wings to daycare. She's concerned the other children will tease her, but Elizabeth is sure they won't; a little individuality is a good thing. Faith says she doesn't know what she did before Lily, and Elizabeth knowingly replies that being a working parent isn't easy. Faith doesn't think of herself as a parent, but Elizabeth reminds her that whether she's a parent or a caregiver, it's just as much work, but there's also a lot of joy. The two women laugh about how fun children can be.
At Bill's office, Rosemary bursts in, asking about the package he received from the Mounties in Capital City. Bill is a little annoyed, but shares that he called in a favor and got ahold of Pike's case file. Rosemary is sure that with this information, they can get to the bottom of what happened. Bill shows her the fingerprints that were found on the gun. Rosemary wonders how they can be sure that was the correct gun, and Bill says the ballistics check out and the prints belong to Clayton Pike. At Bill's prompting, Rosemary looks closer at the fingerprints and notices they're only on the grip. That doesn't make sense, because if Pike loaded the gun, his fingerprints would be all over the barrel. They realize that someone tampered with the prints on the gun to make it look like Pike was the shooter. Pike was either framed or took the fall for someone else. Bill and Rosemary suspect it was Montague or someone he hired.
Act Two[]
Later, Bill is walking along the boardwalk as an unfamiliar car pulls up in front of the saloon. A beautiful, stylishly dressed woman exits the car. Bill tells the woman she can't park there, and she apologizes but says she's a close friend of the owner. Bill thinks she's referring to Lee, but she actually means Lucas, not knowing he recently sold the saloon. Bill wonders how long she's known Lucas, and the woman replies that they go way back. Bill remarks that Lucas doesn't talk much about his past, to which she replies that it's probably wise, especially since becoming governor. Bill tries to ask where she knows Lucas from, but she just inquires about getting a room at the hotel. Mike hands her the guest register, asking how long she plans to stay. Bill tells Mike this woman is a friend of Lucas's, and Mike reads her name on the register: Jeanette Aucoin. Her name rings a bell with Bill, who had assumed she was an old widow. Jeanette is amused by this, and Bill also remembers that she was from New Orleans. She smiles and says that New Orleans was ages ago, just as Lucas emerges from his office. Lucas is surprised to see Jeanette, and does not seem happy about her presence.
Lucas takes Jeanette back to his office, where he tells her she should have warned him she was coming. Jeanette reminds him that he used to love surprises, but he says it's only when he's the one doing the surprising. She reminds Lucas that his wedding to Elizabeth was called off, but Lucas doesn't want to discuss it. He asks Jeanette about the Treasury Department, and learns she was working as an informant. He reminds her that she left him at the least opportune moment; she doesn't apologize, but simply says it couldn't be helped. Jeanette reveals the reason for her visit is to place a bid for the resort. She represents a group of high net-worth investors in Cape Fullerton. Lucas is dubious, but Jeanette swears she's gone straight, just like him, and says the group of investors can be trusted. Lucas wants nothing to do with her offer and asks to walk her out so she can leave town. However, Jeanette has no plans to leave just yet.
At the saloon, Elizabeth asks Mike if he's seen Lucas. She's concerned he'll go overboard with the chocolate bunnies. Mike tries to distract her from seeing Jeanette, who is headed upstairs. After Jeanette goes up, Lucas calls over to Elizabeth, and they discuss the chocolate bunnies for the easter egg hunt. She's concerned that the ones Lucas ordered are too large and thinks he should call Florence about it. Lucas says he'll get right on it, but looks around a little nervously. Elizabeth asks what's going on, but Lucas says he's just busy. Elizabeth says she'll see him at the egg hunt. After Elizabeth leaves, Mike wants to know what that was all about, and Lucas just tells him that he's going to be unavailable to anyone who asks.
At the cafe, Minnie hands Joseph some food to go, as he gets ready to leave for a Bible class in Jameson. The couple remark on how the people in that class like to argue. Angela chimes in, saying that Elizabeth told them every argument can be settled if people listen. Joseph agrees, and Cooper asks if Joseph has ever tried listening to his brother. Joseph says he can't listen if his brother won't speak to him, and leaves for his Bible class.
In Bill's office, Mike paces the floor as Lee tries to cheer him up. Mike thinks the meeting is going to be a big waste of time. Maisie Hickam enters the office and immediately begins to criticize Mike's choice of shirt color as they awkwardly hug. Lee shakes Maisie's hand and they begin the meeting.
Act Three[]
The meeting in Bill's office continues, as Maisie insists that the new access road will come through on the Benson Hills side of the mountain. Mike points out that Benson Hills will get all of the tourists and reminds her that this is a negotiation; she can't just make pronouncements like that. Mike suggests they build two roads, one from each side, but Maisie is unwilling to budge. Lee decides they will table that issue for now. Maisie plows forward with her proposal that the name will be The Benson Hills Resort. Lee thinks that's ridiculous; the resort site is on the Hope Valley side of the property. Maisie laughs and refuses to consider naming it after Hope Valley. Lee tells Maisie it seems like she isn't going to agree to anything at all, to which Maisie retorts that this meeting has been a colossal waste of her time. Lee appeals to Mike, asking him to do something since Maisie is his sister. Unfortunately, Mike can't do much to help her cooperate.
Maisie observes that neither Mike nor Lee has considered the downside to the resort; she's concerned it will become a magnet for undesirables, criminals, and rum runners. Lee and Edwin scoff at her concerns; Edwin insists the resort is for families. Maisie refers to Louis Creek, saying decent people can't walk down the street there in safety anymore. She wants a guarantee that the resort won't endanger her town. The three men are speechless, and Edwin finally suggests they take a break.
That evening, Allie, Angela, and Cooper sit in the cafe dining room, discussing the Canfield children's plans to contact their estranged uncle Jacob. Cooper is writing a letter to Jacob as if it's from his dad. Allie knows her dad would be very mad at her if she did something like that, and Angela thinks her father will be too. Cooper isn't worried and thinks Joseph would be grateful for his interference. He asks Allie if she can get Jacob's address in Aberdeen, and she thinks the telephone exchange there should have it.
At home, Lee and Rosemary are chatting on the sofa while he massages her feet. Lee asks Rosemary if she remembers hearing about Jeanette or Amos, but she doesn't at first. Then he reminds her of the time Elizabeth was held hostage in the saloon, which jogs Rosemary's memory. She remembers that Jeanette called Lucas to warn him about Amos Dixon, assuming that she is an old widow. Lee corrects her; the widow Jeanette is no helpless little old lady, but could be a screen siren. Rosemary reminds Lee that she is the screen siren in Hope Valley. Lee tries to rephrase what he just said and the two laugh. Rosemary observes that Lucas wasn't entirely truthful about Jeanette, and wants to go over to Elizabeth's house in the middle of the night, in her nightgown, to discuss the matter. Rosemary only changes her mind when Lee points out that Jack will be sleeping.
At the pharmacy, Mei is arranging clay mask jars in her basket when Maisie enters, requesting a cup of vanilla ice cream. Mei wonders if Maisie is in town for the Easter egg hunt, but she says she's just passing through. Maisie compliments Mei on her knowledge of her clientele. Mei says that getting to know people is what she loves most about her job. Maisie wonders if Mei has been doing her job for very long, and Mei tells her that she's from Chicago, works as the town pharmacist, and also runs the salon on behalf of a friend. Just then, Mike enters, asking Maisie what she's doing there. Mei chides him for his apparent rudeness to her customer. Maisie shakes Mei's hand, introducing herself. Mike asks Maisie why she's there; they don't meet again for another week. He realizes their mother must have mentioned something about Mei to Maisie, who suggests he bring Mei home to meet their mother.
Outside, Nathan and Elizabeth are hiding eggs and chatting about Elizabeth's memories of doing Easter egg hunts as a child. Her basket usually had a few more eggs than her sisters', but she was always willing to share. Nathan hides one of the eggs high up in a flowery arbor. Elizabeth teases that it's way too high and the children won't be able to reach it. In a more serious tone, Nathan says he thinks if somebody wants something bad enough, they'll figure it out. Elizabeth realizes he's talking about more than just the egg hunt, and after a moment, she wonders what if there's a chance they could get hurt. Confidently, Nathan replies that they have to decide if it's worth it or not. Elizabeth doesn't think a chocolate egg is worth it, so she stands on a turned-over bucket to get the egg down from where Nathan had hidden it. In the process, she accidentally falls off of the bucket, but fortunately, Nathan is standing right there and catches her. Caught in an unexpected embrace, the two stare into each other's eyes for a long moment as Elizabeth apologizes. Just then, Allie calls their names, and they quickly let go of each other, trying to compose themselves. Allie tells them Jack is wondering when the Easter egg will start. Flustered, Nathan and Elizabeth both say "soon." After Elizabeth goes inside, Nathan puts the Easter egg back in the spot where he'd originally hidden it.
In the saloon, Lucas sits at a booth, smiling as he reads the newspaper. Jeanette sits down, but Lucas isn't happy to see her. He tells Jeanette not to bother making a bid, because he knows what kind of people her investors are. She assures him that the investors are on the level. Lucas insists that this project will be completely above board. He's changed; he's not like her. Jeanette says she's changed too, but Lucas is skeptical. Just then, Rosemary greets Jeanette and says she's a legend around Hope Valley, which amuses Jeanette. She asks Lucas if he's seen Elizabeth, looking pointedly at Jeanette. Lucas hasn't seen her. Jeanette asks about Elizabeth, but Lucas thinks it's none of her concern. She can submit her bid and be on her way.
Act Four[]
The people of Hope Valley are gathered on Main Street, waiting for the Easter egg hunt to begin. Rosemary tries to tell Elizabeth about Jeanette, but is interrupted by Jack, who has just arrived with Allie, Angela, and Cooper. Lee arrives with Goldie, who is wearing her Easter dress, but wouldn't wear the headband. Faith and Lily come out of the cafe, carrying baskets and wearing coordinating bunny ears. Lee ribs Faith that the Easter egg hunt is just for the kids, so Faith hands Lily her basket. The older children are looking forward to the chocolate. Lucas arrives and declares the start of the Easter egg hunt. Elizabeth asks him if there's something she should know about, but he says he doesn't think so. During the hunt, Jack wonders if Elizabeth has to go help the other children like at school, but she assures him she's just helping him. Elizabeth asks Rosemary what she wanted to talk to her about, but they get interrupted again by Lily, who runs by with Faith, causing Jack to run after her.
At the pharmacy, Mike is helping Mei stock the shelves while they discuss Maisie. Mei likes Maisie and is flattered that she took the time to meet her. Mike can tell Maisie likes Mei too. Mei makes him feel like he can do everything right, while Maisie makes him feel like he does everything wrong. Mei gently holds onto Mike by his lapels, telling him his problem is he doesn't know how wonderful, capable, brilliant, handsome and lovable he is. Mike nervously tells Mei he wants to kiss her, and she responds by leaning in and kissing him herself. After they pull away for a moment, Mike leans back in for another kiss. The egg hunt continues, as Nathan helps Jack find an egg near the gas station while Elizabeth watches lovingly from a short distance.
In front of the saloon, Lucas walks Jeanette to her car, handing her a receipt showing her bid has been received. Jeanette wonders when she and the investors will hear back, and Lucas says it will be soon, as long as the investors can pass a background check. Lucas wants to know why she's really there, and she replies that she still cares about him. Lucas tells her he's no longer living that life and thanks her for her bid. Jeanette begins to drive away, but spots Elizabeth on the side of the street. She exits the car and walks over to Elizabeth, as Lucas tries to stop her. Jeanette introduces herself to Elizabeth, telling her she was also once engaged to Lucas. Jeanette, Lucas, and Elizabeth look at each other, and Elizabeth says that it was good to finally meet Jeanette, wishing her safe travels. Jeanette bids Lucas goodbye, attempting to kiss him on the cheek, but he turns away from her. After Jeanette leaves, Elizabeth turns to Lucas in mild amusement; she's finally realized he was acting strangely because he didn't want Elizabeth and Jeanette to meet. Nathan watches this exchange from a little ways off. Their conversation is interrupted by the children, who have finished the egg hunt and want their chocolate bunnies.
Act Five[]
Elizabeth and Rosemary stroll down Main Street while Rosemary hopes Lee can get Jack and Goldie to take a nap after all that excitement. She compliments Elizabeth on how well she handled the whole situation, but can't believe Lucas had been in love with Jeanette. Elizabeth doesn't understand why Lucas wasn't completely honest with her about the nature of his relationship with Jeanette. Rosemary thinks Lucas was probably afraid of what Elizabeth would think of him; he does put her on a pedestal. Elizabeth muses that may have been part of their problem as a couple; she doesn't want to be on a pedestal. Actually, Elizabeth is happy to have met Jeanette. Rosemary asks if Elizabeth feels guilty for breaking Lucas's heart, but Elizabeth thinks his heart is more resilient than that.
At the Mercantile, Allie has volunteered to operate the switchboard so Florence can go home to start cooking a pot roast. Angela and Cooper enter through the back door just as Allie rings the Aberdeen Exchange and asks for Jacob Canfield's address. The operator in Aberdeen tells her it's 25 Linden Street, which Allie passes on to Cooper and Angela. Allie worries again that the Canfield children will get in trouble for contacting their uncle, but they've decided it's worth it, even if they do.
It's nighttime, and Elizabeth has just put Jack to bed, gingerly walking downstairs in hopes he stays asleep. She takes a deep breath just as there's a knock at the door. Elizabeth opens the door to find Nathan standing there, holding the chocolate Easter egg from earlier. Nathan says she was right; it was way too high and none of the kids could get it. They both laugh, as Nathan continues that he thought it should go back to the person who risked life and limb for it. As Elizabeth takes the egg, her hands rests on his for a long moment. Elizabeth tells Nathan that sometimes a chocolate egg is worth the risk. Nathan brings up Jeanette, and Elizabeth replies that Jeanette was not what she expected. Nathan feels bad for Lucas being called out like that in front of everybody, just as Jack calls to Elizabeth from inside the house. With another moment interrupted, they both say goodnight.
At the saloon, Lucas sits alone at the bar, perusing Jeanette's bid proposal. He finds an old photograph of himself and Jeanette amongst the papers.
Cast[]
- Erin Krakow as Elizabeth Thornton
- Pascale Hutton as Rosemary Coulter
- Jack Wagner as Bill Avery
- Kavan Smith as Leland Coulter
- Chris McNally as Lucas Bouchard
- Kevin McGarry as Nathan Grant
- Andrea Brooks as Dr. Faith Carter
- Amanda Wong as Mei Sou
- Viv Leacock as Joseph Canfield
- Natasha Burnett as Minnie Canfield
- Ben Rosenbaum as Mike Hickam
- Johannah Newmarch as Molly Sullivan
- Loretta Walsh as Florence Yost
- Hrothgar Mathews as Ned Yost
- Jaeda Lily Miller as Allie Grant
- Vienna Leacock as Angela Canfield
- Elias Leacock as Cooper Canfield
- Billy Christos Jr. as Toby
- Erik Gow as Edwin Mitchel
- Ava Grace Cooper as Opal Weise
- Gracyn Shinyei as Emily Montgomery
- Remy Marthaller as Sarah Wolf
- Chloe McKinnon as Lily Watson
- Christian Michael Cooper as Timmy Lawson
- Cecilia Deacon as Jeanette Aucoin
- Samantha Ferris as Maisie Hickam
Quotes[]
Trivia[]
- Jeanette Aucoin and Maisie Hickam appear for the first time in this episode.
- Easter is celebrated in this episode.
- Elizabeth's students work at different tables when creating and painting the Easter eggs.
- While working, Toby divides fractions, indicating he's learning on his own.
- Lily hops like a bunny when she and Faith walk together to look for the eggs.
- Even though Lucas says he'll give the chocolate bunnies to the children after the egg hunt, they're never actually shown in the episode.
- Henry does not appear in this episode.
- Mei and Mike finally kiss in this episode after being interrupted three times in the preceding one.
Gallery[]
