In one of Hamilton’s seedy alleyways, three drunken ne'er-do-well’s sing and laugh. Among them is Tom Thornton, who earlier was supposed to board a train for his new job. When he didn’t arrive, Jack immediately began looking for him; and having now found him, is enraged. Jack tells Tom after their father died he made a promise to their mom that he would look after Tom. But now, after all they’ve been through, those days are over and Tom’s on his own. Tom snidely replies that he’s always been on his own and that Jack has no say in his life.
Later in the day, at Mountie Headquarters in Hamilton, a worried Elizabeth stands waiting for Jack. When he arrives Elizabeth tells him that Julie has gone missing. Earlier, she had stopped into Julie’s room to talk. When Julie didn’t answer the door, Elizabeth went inside and found clothes and a suitcase missing. She also reveals that Julie admitted she was driving the car when the accident happened. And while Elizabeth has no idea where Julie may have gone, she knows exactly who to ask.
At the train station, a departing train whistles out of the station as Julie nervously waits for Tom to arrive. With his belongings strapped over his shoulder, Tom rushes to her side. Relieved, Julie leads Tom to the waiting train, all the while doing her best to assuage his mounting concerns. Their risky plan to run off together hasn’t taken into account Tom’s inability to provide for them or Julie’s father possibly cutting off her trust fund. Julie assures Tom that as long as they have each other, everything else will work itself out.
As the two prepare to board the train Jack and Elizabeth hurriedly run to stop them. Surprised, Julie asks how Elizabeth knew where to find them. Elizabeth responds, “If you're going to run away, next time don't use the chauffeur to set it up.” Jack then asks Tom if they can talk, alone. Tom agrees and the brothers head off. As they do, Elizabeth chastises Julie for her selfish ways. Elizabeth demands that Julie start thinking of the man she claims to love and stop thinking of only herself.
At Mountie Headquarters Jack hangs up the phone before sitting down next to Tom. It turns that the job in the quarry is still available, but Tom laments that even with the job, William Thatcher will never see him as suitable for his daughter. The conversation then turns to Tom’s life before he and Jack’s father passed. The death changed Tom from a responsible boy into an angry and bitter young man. Sensing the appropriate moment, Jack tells Tom that it was he and not Jack who was their father’s favorite. Jack then pulls their father’s watch from his pocket and gives it to Tom. He embraces his brother and tells him that he believes in him.
Later in the day Julie and Tom meet to say their goodbyes. Tom promises that it’s better for both of them if Tom leaves to find his own way. Tom says that despite all his mistakes, he can be the type of man Julie deserves. She agrees to wait for him and he tells her that she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. The two share a tender embrace before heading off on their separate ways.
Strolling through the hallways of the Thatcher Mansion, William Thatcher escorts Jack into the study. Pleased that Tom is leaving Hamilton, William promises Jack that as long as Tom stays away from Julie, he won’t press charges. But before Jack leaves, Mr. Thatcher beckons him back. William says Jack has made a positive impression on Elizabeth and he, William, cannot hold Tom’s actions against him. William then offers Jack a position in his company. Jack attempts to politely decline the offer, but Mr. Thatcher is insistent. He argues that a job at his company would grant Jack status and “acceptance” into society. The implication grates on Jack and he struggles to maintain his composure. He sternly tells Mr. Thatcher he has no intention of being something he’s not for any reason or for any one.
As the rain falls in Hope Valley, Henry Gowen sits on his balcony, glowering over the town. Behind him, Dottie emerges and he immediately asks her about a pending bank loan. She nervously replies that the bank denied the loan due to his lack of collateral. The news infuriates Henry and he angrily instructs Dottie to deliver a message, not to the bank, but to Abigail. Later that day Dottie and Abigail talk about the situation. Dottie tells her that Henry is like a caged animal and very dangerous. Ominously, Dottie tells Abigail, “You're going to be very sorry if you don't sell this place.”
In Hamilton, Elizabeth and Charles sit together playing the piano. As the two friends talk, Elizabeth turns the conversation towards a more serious tone. Despite their friendship, Elizabeth feels that she can no longer continue to lead him on. But before she can finish, Charles interrupts her saying that while he understands, he is the one who must decide when he is ready to consider other options.
As they enter the train station, Jack and Elizabeth are relieved and hopeful that their siblings can stay out of trouble, but Elizabeth goes one step further, saying trouble seems to follow Tom. The tone irritates Jack and he angrily defends his brother and accuses Elizabeth and her family of being elitist. Jack then reveals that William offered him a job. Elizabeth thinks the news is great and a sign of her father’s acceptance of Jack. Jack feels the opposite and thinks it’s a move by her family to change him in order to fit into their family and high society. Elizabeth protests, saying she’s never asked him to do such a thing. Frustrated, Jack walks away to take his coach seat on the train. Elizabeth offers him accommodation in her first class compartment, but he refuses, saying, “I’ve got some thinking to do on the ride home.”
