Caroline decides to stay home while Charles takes the girls on a trip, but this rare alone time is aggravated when a minor scratch on her leg flares into a major infection. Caroline is close to death when Charles finally returns home, and in the wake of this terrifying event, the family realizes – more than ever – the invaluable role of this beloved wife and mother in their lives.

Despite Miss Beadle's continued kindness and effective teaching, the school board calls an emergency meeting because her deteriorating classroom management hits an all-time low. It is agreed that a male teacher will be hired in her place, but the mean-spirited Mr. Applewood immediately clashes with Laura, blaming her unfairly for several incidents in his classroom.