Die Show-Frau

Jamie and Greta kept spending time together. One evening, when he brought her home to Goldspur Mill, they were in for a surprise.

Jakob: “Look who’s here, Greta.”

Greta: “Carl?! What are you doing here? Jamie, this is my husband, Carl. Carl, this is Jamie — Gillian’s husband. He kindly brought me home.”

Carl: “Greta, darling, I couldn’t stand being without you any longer. So I came here.”

Jamie had just stepped straight into disaster. Greta claimed he had never asked if she had a husband — so why should she have mentioned it? His plan to make Gillian jealous had completely backfired… even though it had worked perfectly on her. And now Carl wanted to see everything. The island. Greta’s family. Meadowland. And Jamie’s wife, Gillian. Jamie (thought bubble): “I’m such an idiot! I wanted to make Gillian jealous and got involved with Greta. If I’d known she was married, this would never have happened. And now her husband wants to meet my wife! How am I supposed to explain this to Gillian?” Oh, Jamie… did he really think he could make me jealous with Greta? Yes. That was exactly what he had done. I was furious with jealousy — and heartbroken. And instead of talking to me himself, he sent Claire.

Gillian: “I can’t believe this! He sends you to ask if I’ll pretend to be his wife? He must be crazy. I’m not taking part in such a ridiculous show!”

Claire: “He’s in a terrible position, Gillian. And he was afraid of exactly that reaction. He doesn’t want you to hate him. The whole Greta thing was a stupid idea anyway. But think about it — if you go along with it, Greta will be out of your lives for good.”

Claire was right. The faster we finished this performance, the sooner Greta would disappear for good. So I sent word to Jamie: I would play the role of his wife. Greta and Carl came to the ranch. Carl was very interested, and I showed him everything.

Carl: “I’m a big horse lover. Greta hates the stable and everything about it.”

Gillian: “What?! Greta is constantly working in the stables here. Greta, why don’t you show Carl how well you muck out?”

Furious, Greta had to clean the stalls — which I enjoyed far too much. Jamie disappeared into the farthest corner of the stable. Outside—

Carl: “Riding is my balance to work. But I could never get Greta onto a horse.”

Gillian: “That’s unbelievable. She rides here all the time. Greta, show Carl how good you are. You can take Buster.”

Buster was one of our ranch horses — with far too much fire in him. Perfect for the occasion. We watched as Greta was launched across the round pen by a bucking Buster.

Gillian: “Well, Carl? Isn’t she a natural talent?”

Carl: “Yes, really. I wouldn’t have expected that. You look wonderful, darling!”

Later, we sat in the riders’ lounge for coffee.

Jamie: “Gillian, what are you doing?”

Gillian: “What? I’m having a delightful conversation with Carl and showing him the hidden talents of his wife. Would you make us some coffee, sweetheart?”

Thankfully, the afternoon passed quickly. We all stood together in the yard to say goodbye.

Gillian: “Well, that takes care of that. It was nice meeting you, Carl. Right, darling? Have a safe trip back to the USA.”

Carl: “Thank you for your hospitality. It was very interesting. I’d love for you to visit us in New York sometime.”

Then they drove away. Jamie and I walked back toward the stable.

Gillian: “Done! And now I want a divorce!”

Jamie: “You can have one! But only after the separation year is over!”