Episode 3 of Joan unfolds a week later, where Joan and Boisie conspire to pilfer a priceless oil painting from the secluded abode of a lonely woman, rumored to be devoid of any security measures. Joan, adopting the guise of a Scottish damsel in distress, feigns a lost journey and a twisted ankle, eliciting the woman's empathy and inviting her into her home.
Over heartfelt conversations, Joan discovers a shared sorrow with the woman, whose husband had abandoned her and their daughter, fostering a bond that leads the woman to offer Joan shelter for the night.
As darkness descends, Joan stealthily ushers in Boisie, disguised as a burglar, their eyes set on the masterpiece. Just as their fingers brushed the frame, fate intervened in the form of an unexpected visitor—a man, possibly the butler, stumbling upon their illicit act. In a split second, Boisie brandishes a fake pistol, seizing the painting, while Joan masterfully feigns terror, screaming and darting to her room, ultimately fleeing through a window, leaving behind a trail of deception.
Haunted by the knowledge that the woman and the intruder had glimpsed her face, Joan's anxiety escalates, desperate to sever ties with the incriminating artwork. Yet, with the police hot on their trail, arranging a discreet sale becomes a perilous endeavor.
When Boisie proves unyielding in discarding the painting, Joan resorts to drastic measures. She withdraws a stash of cash and unearths her diamonds, intent on selling them for quick funds. However, the jeweler's keen instincts sniff out the undercurrent of trouble, thwarting the transaction.
Their subsequent rendezvous at their customary watering hole serves as a backdrop for Joan's emotional outburst. She recounts a life subjugated by men, voicing her refusal to be entangled with one who harbors secrets, alluding to Boisie's secret warehouse filled with stolen goods. Touched by her sincerity, Boisie eventually invites her into his hidden lair, a gesture aimed at restoring trust. Joan, in turn, entrusts her diamonds within its confines, a testament to their renewed bond.
Joan embarks on a new chapter, cohabitating with Boisie while anxiously anticipating the arrival of the social services officer. Amidst this uncertainty, her gaze falls upon an alluring advertisement for a jewelry boutique, piquing her curiosity and leading her to its doors. Faced with financial constraints, Joan concocts a daring plan to steal a ring and seeks Boisie's aid, but he draws the line, declining her request.
Undeterred, Joan turns to Albie, who unexpectedly reveals that the jeweler is none other than one of his associates. A cunning scheme unfolds: they will steal the authentic ring, substitute it with a counterfeit, and pocket a share of the profits.
The stage is set as Joan transforms into a charade, sequestering herself in a luxurious hotel to meticulously craft the persona of a wealthy American dame. This meticulous preparation marks the dawn of Episode 1.
The following day, Joan gracefully exits the hotel, her disguise impeccable, and strides into the jewelry store. As she admires the ring, Albie, her accomplice, smoothly enters the scene, playing the role of her devoted spouse. In a seamless exchange, Joan switches the genuine bauble for its counterfeit twin. Just as the deception seems complete, Boisie arrives, unexpectedly portraying her true husband, leaving the store clerk transfixed by the unfolding drama. This fortuitous turn allows Joan to casually return the fake ring, punctuating her departure with a cryptic "next time."
Joan cunningly sells the stolen ring back to the unsuspecting jeweler, her mission accomplished, and retreats to the warmth of her home where she shares an intimate moment with Boisie. The following evening, the house echoes with laughter as Joan's sister and Albie's family gather for dinner. Amidst the festivities, Boisie, noting Albie's growing fascination with Joan, impulsively proposes marriage, and she, touched by his gesture, accepts.
However, joy is fleeting as the next day brings devastating news. The social services officer arrives, bearing word that Kelly, Joan's beloved foster child, is thriving in her new home and her foster parents have expressed a heartfelt desire to adopt her. This revelation rocks Joan to her core, propelling her into the night, determined to see Kelly one last time. Silently breaking into Kelly's room, Joan finds solace in her presence before reluctantly departing, her heart heavy with loss and uncertainty. The episode fades to black, leaving Joan's fate hanging in the balance.
