August 3, 1999
It's a new day in Paris and Eric, Greta, and Bo are at a cafe. They're going over last night's events. Bo explains that finding out the Real Princess Gina suffered a nervous breakdown really upset "Hope" and that she probably fears the same thing may happen to her. Greta asks Bo what he's going to do and he says he's going to get Hope back before it's too late. There's no way he's going to lose her again. The compact comes up in the conversation and Greta pulls it out of her purse. Eric takes it and shows Bo the secret compartment that Greta found. Eric takes out the key and hands it to Bo. Bo says that it looks like a key to a safety deposit box.
Greta remembers that her mother may have a safety deposit box at the Faversham Bank here in Paris. Bo says the bank owners wouldn't give them access to the box with just a key, though. Eric suggets that they tell them that Greta is Princess Gina's daughter, but Bo says it doesn't matter. They need a will or a death certificate to get access to the box and they have neither. But then Bo gets an idea and says that Greta may not be able to get into the safety deposit box, but he knows someone who can.
It is Hope he's thinking of. Eric thinks that's a great idea since Hope looks exactly like Princess Gina and would have no problem getting into the safety deposit box. Bo then realizes that it's a bad idea because they don't want Hope to know that they have the compact and the key. Eric asks Bo why he thinks Stefano sent Hope to Europe. Bo tells Eric and Greta his theory. He found out last night that the Duke and Duchess (who were old acquaintences of Princess Gina and Stefano) owned the last Renet painting, called Spring Morning. So Greta says that Stefano must have sent Hope to Paris to steal the painting. Bo says that's a good possibility. Eric tells Bo not to give up on Hope. Greta agrees and fears that Stefano will do the same thing to Hope that he did to her mother. "Destroy her," Bo finishes.
August 4, 1999
Still at the cafe, Eric is holding the key and says, "If this thing could talk..." Greta realizes that Stefano never wants them to find out what really happened to her mother and gets really upset. Bo tells her not to worry because they're going to find the answers. Eric agrees and places his hand on Greta's shoulder to comfort her. Greta smiles sweetly at Eric for his kind gesture.
Bo says they could probably find the answers about Greta's mother in that safety deposit box. He suggests they head over to the Faversham Bank right now, but Greta reminds him that the bank owners won't let them access the box since it is in her mother's name. Bo says that's true but looks right at Greta and says that the right pair of beautiful eyes can be very persuasive. Greta laughs as they get up and leave for the bank.
Bo, Eric, and Greta are next scene at the bank. A bankteller informs them the last time Princess Gina opened the safety deposit box was in 1985. He gets a phone call and tells them that everything is in order and leads them into the bank vault. Inside, they see the infamous safety deposit box. Bo hands Greta the key and she tells them that she's almost afraid to find out what's inside. Bo asks if she wants to be left alone, and she tells them not to even think about leaving. She unlocks the box, opens it and says, "Oh my God."
Inside the box, they find security, gold, diamonds... Eric also finds passports: one with Gina's photo and one with John's. Bo says that the contents in the box is like a getaway kit. Everything that Gina and John would need to escape from Stefano. Greta then finds a deed to a house that she and her mother used to live in. She next finds a deed to a country estate in a small town outside of Paris. Greta is surprised and says that she never even knew that her mother owned a country home.
Bo has now left and Eric and Greta are alone in the bank vault. Eric asks her if she's going to keep the money and jewelry but she replies that they don't belong to her. But Eric says that maybe those things could somehow tell them about what happened to her mother. Greta sadly says that she doesn't think she's ever going to get the answers she's looking for. Eric holds up the country estate deed and reminds her that there's still one place they haven't looked. Greta is curious as Eric suggests that they go there and check the place out. Greta agrees and they both leave for the country home, completely unaware that Princess Gina is there.
August 5, 1999
Eric and Greta are in a car driving through the country to Princess Gina's country estate. Eric tells Greta that if Stefano hadn't stopped John and Gina from running off together, his and Greta's lives would be completely different. Greta tells him to look on the bright side: if things had worked out between Gina and John, she never would have met Eric. He looks at her as Greta smiles at him, and he gets distracted and almost runs the car off the road. Eric apologizes and asks if she's okay. She assures him that she is. Greta continues to look at Eric with a gleam in her eyes.
Greta teases Eric about his driving and they have a few laughs. They talk again about the contents in the safety deposit box, particularly about the deed to Princess Gina's country estate. Eric asks Greta how to pronounce the name of the country home and she tells him -- Chateau des Reves. It means the "castle of dreams". Eric mentions that it's strange that Greta's mother never mentioned the house to her.
They continue on their journey as Greta appears to be lost in her thoughts. Eric asks her what she's thinking about. She tells him her thoughts about her mother and John. Eric guesses that this country house might have been a place for Gina and John to secretly meet. Greta remembers that she received a telegram in 1990 informing her about her mother's death, but she never heard anything official from any lawyers. Eric comments that it's strange that only Stefano knew about her mother's death. Greta agrees and says that whenever Stefano's involved, things are not always the way they seem.
As they continue driving, Eric comments that the scenery is unbelievable and he feels like he's in the middle of a painting. Greta says that's why artists like to go there. Eric tells Greta that he wants to stop on the way back and get some pictures of her. Greta gets a little embarrassed and tells him to forget it. He asks why and she says it's because he's used to photographing high-fashion models. Eric tells Greta that he'll take natural beauty any day. Greta smiles and says that if he puts it that way..... they both laugh. (click on that link if you want to listen to that sound clip!) She asks Eric if he thinks Bo and Hope are ever going to get back together. He says that he's the wrong person to ask. Greta says at least he knows what it's like to be in love. Eric says he knows what it's like to be deceived by someone you love. Greta tells him she's just glad he didn't let Nicole destroy his life. Eric says he's been lucky. He looks right at Greta and tells her that he's had a good friend and smiles at her. She smiles back and thanks him but says that it's nothing compared to what he's done for her.
Greta borrows Eric's cell phone and calls John. She tells him that she and Eric are on their way to her mother's country home. She also tells him about the safety deposit box and what she, Eric, and Bo found in there. Eric interrupts her phone conversation with John to tell her that they reached the entrance to the chateau. Greta says goodbye to John, who wishes her luck. They pull into the entrance and Eric parks the car. Eric asks Greta if she's ready. She nods and says that something tells her they're going to find the answers here.
August 6, 1999
Eric and Greta get out of the car and approach the castle gates. Eric comments that the place is impressive. Greta doesn't understand why her mother never told her about this place. They walk right up to the gates and find that it's locked. They call out "hello" and "bonjour" but nobody answers. Eric goes to ring the bell.
Inside the castle, Princess Gina and her servant, Kurt, see that they have company. Gina is anxious to go and greet her visitors but Kurt refuses to let her. He tells her that the people may be dangerous and says that he's going to go check it out alone. Gina finally gives in and let's him go. After Kurt is gone, Gina looks out the window and sees Eric and Greta. She especially takes notice of Greta and says that there's something about that girl......
Kurt arrives at the gates and tells Eric and Greta that this is private property. Greta introduces herself & Eric and she tells Kurt that she is Princess Gina's daughter. Kurt is surprised and asks Greta what she's doing here. She explains that they just found out her mother owns this chateau. Kurt gets his guard up again and asks them to leave, but Eric refuses and tells him that Greta is the legal owner of the castle and shows Kurt the deed. Kurt is thrown at first but then suggests that maybe Eric and Greta are con artists. They get mad and ask about Kurt. Eric asks who hired Kurt to work here and he answers that a man hired him to stay here and keep the place up. Greta asks if this man's name was Stefano DiMera.
Kurt says the name Stefano DiMera does not ring a bell. Greta tells Kurt that she wants to take a look around the chateau now. Kurt refuses to let her in. Eric gets angry and tells Kurt again that Greta owns this place and she calls the shots. Will Kurt let them in?
August 9, 1999
At the gates, Eric and Greta are still trying to convince Kurt to let them into the castle. Kurt demands that they leave but Eric says they're not going anywhere until they search the chateau. Kurt has doubts that Greta is really Princess Gina's daughter, so she takes out her passport to prove her identity. Still, Kurt says that her passport doesn't prove ownership to the chateau. Eric pulls out the deed and says that this does. Eric then threatens Kurt and says that if he doesn't cooperate with them, they'll call the authorities.
Kurt must have given in to Eric's threat because we next see them inside the castle. Kurt leads them in and Eric and Greta look around the place. Greta gets a little emotional as she looks at all the things that belonged to her mother. Greta asks Kurt if he knows anything about her mother's death. Kurt is sorry and says he doesn't. Eric mentions that they're going to search every inch of the castle, as Kurt begins to look very nervous.
Princess Gina is still locked up in her room. Kurt comes in to check on her and she asks him if someone is at the castle with them. He lies and says no. Princess Gina asks about the visitors at the gate and Kurt tells her that they were just people asking for directions. Princess Gina tries to leave the room but Kurt stops her. She is confused but agrees to stay. He eventually leaves, as Princess Gina is left alone again.
Eric and Greta are still looking around the castle. Greta can't believe that her mother owned this castle and never told her about it. Eric says that it sounds like her mother kept a lot of secrets from her. Greta agrees but says that she has a very strong feeling that she's going to get the answers she needs about her mother here. Eric mentions Kurt and says that he doesn't trust him, just as Kurt walks in and hears him. Kurt says the feeling is mutual and he doesn't trust Eric either, as they face-off with each other.
August 10, 1999
Kurt tells Eric and Greta that they're wasting their time. Eric threatens again to call the authorities if Kurt doesn't cooperate so Kurt finally gives in. He says they can search the castle but thinks they are making a big mistake. Eric asks him if that's a threat and Kurt says he means no offense. He even tries to scare them away by saying that the castle is haunted, but Eric just laughs at that. Eric says they'll be sure to tiptoe around so that they don't disturb the spirits haunting the place. After seeing that he won't be able to change their minds, Kurt welcomes them to stay at the castle, being that Greta is Princess Gina's daughter. He then excuses himself. Once he's gone, Greta jokes around and asks Eric if he's ever been in a haunted castle before. He comments that he knows one thing -- Kurt doesn't want them there. Greta defends Kurt and says that he seems trustworthy and is just protecting the castle. They begin to look around the room. We pan over to the wall where a statue of a face is hung. Someone is looking through the eyes of the statue -- and it is Kurt.
After spying on Eric and Greta for a little while, Kurt thinks to himself that he cannot allow them to learn the secrets of the castle. He has to get rid of them.
As Eric and Greta continue with their search, they begin to hear somebody howling. Greta asks what that noise was, as both she and Eric begin to look a little scared. Eric says it was probably just the wind. Greta tries to convince herself that he's right. She looks around some more and starts to look uneasy. She comments that the place is creepy. Eric teases her and says that Kurt's haunted house story must have gotten to her. The lights begin to flicker on and off. Greta gets really scared and jumps into Eric's arms.
Greta apologizes but Eric says it's okay. He's not going to let anything happen to her. She asks why the lights went on and off like that. Eric says it was probably just the wiring. The howling continues and Greta jumps into Eric's arms again. He says it's all right and tells her to relax. Greta nervously laughs and says she's going to calm down now. She starts to walk away from Eric, until she hears another noise. Terrified, she turns around and runs right back into Eric's arms. Eric looks and sees that it was just a rat, but continues to hold her. He laughs as Greta continues to look frightened.
August 12, 1999
Eric and Greta are still wandering around the castle. Eric wonders where Kurt is, so he and Greta both pull something that makes a bell ring, hoping that Kurt will show up. When he doesn't, they continue to roam around the place. Greta sees a trunk and recognizes it as the trunk her mother traveled with when she traveled with John.
Eric and Greta sit down in front of the trunk and open it to find old letters that Greta sent her mother when she was at boarding school. They look some more and Greta finds a letter addressed to her. She opens it and sees that it's a poem by her mom. She reads it out loud to Eric and gets very emotional. Eric hands her a handkerchief and she thanks him. Greta says that she never wants to be in love. Eric asks her why she says that. Greta says it's because love is what killed her mother. She either died of a broken heart or Stefano made her pay for loving John. Eric suggests they go find out the answers and they both get up. Eric again wonders where Kurt is.
Greta is next seen wandering around alone. She wonders where Eric is and calls out to him. When he doesn't respond, she tells him this isn't funny. She continues to call his name and bumps into a knight. It surprises her and she screams. Eric comes running in and asks if she's okay. Greta feels silly and says that she's fine. Eric says that Kurt's car is still outside so he's got to be in the castle somewhere. Eric then starts to tease Greta about being so frightened and Greta shuts him up and tells him to help her put the arm of the knight back on, since it fell off when she bumped into it. Eric obliges and then finds a map of the castle hidden inside the knight. Greta looks at the map and comments that the castle is huge. She asks Eric where they should start looking first. Eric looks at the map, while Greta looks at Eric. She's obviously smitten with him.
August 13, 1999
Looking at the map, Greta decides that she wants to search her mother's room first. Eric rings the servants bell hoping to get Kurt's attention. Greta tells Eric that his not responding is just his way of protesting their being there. So they continue to explore the castle.
Eric and Greta get separated and Greta is calling out to him again. He jumps out holding a sword and scares the living daylights out of Greta. He comments that the dining room is so huge that the people who used to live there probably used that sword as a butter knife. Greta and Eric contineu their search and Eric finds Kurt. He asks where he's been and Kurt responds that he was in his quarters.
Greta begins recalling her past with her mother and gets upset that she couldn't have helped some way. Eric comforts her and Kurt tells Greta that there is something she needs to know: Greta's mother is buried right outside the castle. Greta is surprised and then drags Eric out with her to look at the burial. Kurt tells himself that he probably finally got rid of them.
August 16, 1999
from Dustin's page
At the castle, Greta reads a letter from her mother. Eric returns and Greta tells Eric that she is determined to find out why her mother died. Eric suggests they check out the cemetery, so Greta leaves to put some shoes on. Eric sees Kurt walk by in the hallway and go around the corner, but when Eric follows, Kurt is gone and he comes to a dead end! Kurt went through a secret passage, and Eric wonders where he went. Eric finds Greta and tells her how Kurt disappeared on him. Greta doesn't understand how that is possible. Eric doesn't know either and says there are some strange things going on in this castle. Greta tells Eric that she is afraid to go to the cemetery because it will mean her mother is really gone, part of her is holding onto the hope that she is alive. Eric says they'll find out soon, and leave for the cemetery.
August 17, 1999
from Dustin's page
Greta and Eric go out to the graveyard to find her mother's grave. She wonders if she had a funeral, and if anyone takes care of her mom's grave. Greta looks among the tombstones and finally finds her mother's. The stone indicates that Gina died in 1990, but part of her born date is rubbed off, only 19 remains. Greta realizes she has lost her mother, but Eric says they don't know that for sure. Greta asks what he means? Eric says that Stefano convinced him that his parents were dead when they were not. Eric says Gina may not be buried here. Greta asks how they will know for sure? Eric says they have to open up the grave!
August 18, 1999
from Dustin's page
In the grave yard, Greta is shocked that Eric wants to dig up her mother. Suddenly, Greta sees a light in the fog. Eric shouts "Who's there?" A man approaches them carrying a lantern, he says he is the grounds keeper. Greta introduces herself and says she came to visit her mother's grave site. The grounds keeper tells her that the princess is not in the ground there! Greta asks if her mother is still alive? The man says no, the body is there, but her spirit is free and she looks for someone. The groundskeeper says he hears her voice crying out for John. Eric asks if he knows how Gina died, but he says he doesn't. He says that his father said that Gina was crazy. Eric tells the man that they have come here searching for answers, but the man says it is better that they not know. Greta begins to think about the night her mother died, she was probably alone. Eric doesn't believe the story and says Gina might not even be in that grave. He tells her that they came a long way, so they might as well find the truth. Greta says it is upsetting, but she agrees. Greta thinks they can just dig her old bones up, but Eric says there are rules. Greta suggests they call Bo because he is good at getting around rules.
Greta and Eric return to the castle and Kurt tries to get rid of them by making hotel arrangements. Eric says they aren't ready to leave yet. Eric asks Kurt if he knows if Gina is buried in her grave? Kurt says he didn't know Gina. Eric informs him of his plan. Kurt is not happy.
August 19, 1999
from Dustin's page
At the Castle, Eric is arguing with Kurt about Princess Gina's grave. He tells him that he and Greta are not going to accept the fact that Princess Gina is buried in that grave until she is exhumed and identified. Kurt says there are strict regulations in France, but Eric says they will not give up until they find out what happened to Gina. Eric asks how Gina died? Kurt says he never knew Gina while she was alive. Eric tells Kurt that they think Stefano had something to do with Gina's death, if she is dead. Greta asks Kurt if he has heard the legend that her mother's spirit roams the castle grounds? Kurt says he has heard many legends, one which is if you disturb the dead you will be cursed and haunted for the rest of your life. Eric tells Kurt that his ghost stories aren't going to scare them away. Kurt warns Eric that he will be sorry if he disrupts Gina's final resting place. Kurt leaves, and Greta tells Eric that Kurt might be right, it might be hard getting permission to exhume Gina's body. Eric refuses to give up, and he calls Bo (see below for phone call details). After he is hung up on, Eric calls John (see below). As Eric talks with John, Kurt spies on them from behind the wall and says they must never exhume that casket! After the call, the power suddenly goes out and Greta screams, and jumps into Eric's arms.
August 24, 1999
Greta is alone in the castle in the dark. She is really creeped out and calls out if someone is there. She turns around and sees someone covered in a sheet approaching her. Greta starts screaming her lungs out.
The sheet-covered figure continues to slowly approach her and Greta keeps on screaming. The figure finally removes the sheet and -- surprise -- it's Eric. He says she's got a set of lungs. Greta is ticked off and begins throwing pillows at him. He teases her and says that she has to speak up because he's having a hard time hearing. Eric then says that they're going to have to spend the night there because a storm is coming. He brought Greta food and a blanket.
Eric gets up and makes a fire. He lights it and says that the fire will be roaring in no time. All of a sudden, the fire goes out. Greta's now convinced the place is haunted. Eric says it isn't and that there must be a logical explanation. He says he'll light a new one. He looks for the matches but can't find them. They both go looking for the matches, not knowing that Kurt is the one that took them.
Eric leaves to get more matches, leaving Greta alone. She is still frightened by all the strange noises. Kurt shows up behind her and Greta thinks it is Eric. Without turning around, she asks him to give her the matches. Kurt hands them to her and then quicky disappears through a secret passage before Greta ever sees him. She lights a candle and Eric comes walking in. He asks her where she got the match. Greta is confused and asks him what he's talking about. *He* gave her the match. Eric says he didn't and then says to just forget about. They should get some sleep. Needless to say, Greta is very confused.
A shirtless Eric is laying down on the floor, ready to go to sleep. Greta is on the couch. He says he's glad to be away from Salem. She comments that he's probably happy to be away from Nicole and Lucas. Eric says he doesn't want to talk about that and turns around to get some sleep. Greta looks around and is so creeped out that she gets up and lies down next to Eric. She tells him she's not looking for romance. She's just a little scared and wants to sleep as close as possible. Eric says that's fine. She thinks about the day and says it is one she will never forget. She says that her mother's spirit is haunting her. Greta then gets closer to Eric and puts her head on his chest, asking him to hold her. He does and they both fall asleep.
August 26, 1999
It is still the same night in the castle. Kurt is guiding Eric and Greta through a hallway, telling them that there are plenty of bedrooms they can sleep in. Greta asks him which room is her mother's. He shows them and they enter it. Greta says she can almost feel her mother's presence. Greta looks around the room. Kurt says he's leaving for the night and he'll be back in the morning. He says goodnight and leaves.
Eric asks Greta if she recognizes anything and she says no. It's almost as if she's standing in a stranger's room. And yet, it all seems familiar. Eric tries to open a dresser and finds that it's locked. Greta finds a key and they unlock it. Inside, they find clothes. Eric's a little disappointed and leaves to go look at the chest, while Greta takes out one of her mother's gowns. Eric puts on a wolf mask and scares Greta for about the hundredth time. They check out the costumes in the chest and Greta wonders what it must have been like to spend the night all dressed up and in another place and another time. Eric suggests that they find out.
We next see Greta dressed in a gown and Eric is in a tuxedo. He tells Greta she looks beautiful and she returns the compliment and says he looks very dapper. Greta looks at herself in the mirror and she wonders what her mother must have looked like in the gown. Eric puts on a top hat and he and Greta kid around and pretend they are in another time. Eric kisses her hand and they laugh and have a good time together. Meanwhile, Princess Gina has managed to escape (she knocked Kurt out) and is right outside the bedroom. She hears Eric and Greta's voices and wonders who's inside...
August 27, 1999
Still dressed up, Eric and Greta wander around Princess Gina's bedroom. Eric looks at a big painting on the wall of the princess, and tells Greta that she looks just like her mother. Greta still has many questions and Eric says they'll find the answers when they exhume the gravesite. Greta wonders it it's possible at all that her mother's body is not in there and she's really alive.
Eric opens up a drawer and finds an old radio. He puts it on and asks Greta to dance. She says she'd be honored and they begin to waltz around the room. They stare at each other and in Eric's mind, Greta turns into Nicole. This surprises him and he breaks away from Greta and turns off the radio. He tells her that he's going to turn in for the night, gives her a kiss on the cheek, and says goodnight. He tells her that if she needs him, just let out a scream. He leaves the bedroom and goes into his own.
Alone in his bedroom, he looks at his reflection in the mirror. Suddenly, he imagines Nicole (in a long red gown) walking up behind him and standing there smiling at him. He tells her that she is so beautiful. He turns around to reach for her and finds that she's not there. He tells himself that he has to stop thinking about her. Later, he's shirtless (had to mention that :-) and is about to get into bed. He tells himself to forget about Nicole. After all, she married Lucas. He has to concentrate on Greta and help her find out the truth about her mother.
Greta is alone in her bedroom wearing a beautiful long white silk nightgown. She has a memory of she and her mother. She lies down and goes to sleep. Princess Gina quietly enters the room and tiptoes her way to the bed so she can get a good look at the woman sleeping in it. She sees a picture of her and a young Greta on the dresser and realizes that this woman may be her daughter. "Can it be?" she asks, as she looks lovingly at her daughter.
August 30, 1999
Eric climbs into bed in his castle bedroom. The storm is raging outside. He thinks about Greta and that she's probably really scared so he gets up to check on her. He reaches Greta's bedroom door and is about to knock. He notices that the window is open so he goes to close it. He then notices a sword on the floor, picks it up, and says to himself that it's cool. He finds that Greta's room seems quiet and that she must be sleeping. He goes back into his own bedroom. He gets back into bed and as he blows out the candle, he remembers the time he first made love to Nicole.
Princess Gina continues to look at Greta and realizes that it is her daughter. Greta tosses and turns in her sleep, as Princess Gina sits on the bed and quietly tells her that her mother is here. She realizes that Greta and Eric are the two people she saw outside at the gates earlier that day. Greta continues to toss and turn in bed and has a dream about her mother. Princess Gina reaches out her hand and strokes her daughter's hair. Greta slowly wakes up and sees her mother looking at her. Only it is a younger version of her mom. She calls out to her.
August 31, 1999
Eric is sleeping and has a dream about Nicole. In his dream, she is dressed in a red gown and he's in his tuxedo. She tells him that she's been looking for him all over the world. She says that she loves him and asks for another chance. Eric tells Nicole that he loves her and he can't deny that. But as far as being able to trust her again....... Nicole interrupts him and kisses him.
Greta looks at her mother, who she sees as still being young and beautiful. She comments that she's alive and Princess Gina says of course she is. Greta smiles and is happy. She says it's been so long. Greta sits up in bed and holds the candle up to shed some light on her mom. She then sees the way her mother really looks and starts screaming at the top of her lungs. Princess Gina panics and runs out of the room. In the hallway, Kurt grabs her and takes her back to her room.
Eric wakes up when he hears Greta screaming and rushes out of his bedroom. He finds Greta, who is running down the hall looking for her mother. He grabs her and tries to calm her down, but Greta is almost hysterical. She tells Eric that she just saw her mother but she doesn't look like she used to look. Greta says that she looks like a witch. Greta tries to run off again to look for her mother but Eric stops her. He says that he came running right after he heard Greta scream and that he didn't see anybody. But Greta says that she's positive she saw her and that her mother's alive.
Eric takes Greta's hand and leads her back into her bedroom. They both sit on the edge of the bed and Eric tells her that when he was young, Stefano kidnapped his mom. He would miss her so much that he would dream that she came back to him. And that's probably what Greta did. He asks her if she wants anything to eat or drink. She says no and that all she wants is for him to stay with her. He holds her in his arms and says he'll stay there all night if she wants him to.
