To say that Ingrid was shocked by Sieglinde's letter would be an understatement. She was stunned, and began sobbing as soon as she comprehended the essence of the correspondence. She couldn't believe the contents. In fact her first reaction was that it couldn't be true. She did in fact contact Sieglinde's brother Siegmund, who confirmed that his sister had indeed disappeared in accordance with her letter, and had entered an order of Roman Catholic nuns.
That last part was totally incomprehensible to Ingrid. Yes, she was cognizant that Sieglinde was religious in the sense she went to mass as often as she possibly could. Still, her lifestyle as a professional dominatrix surely was incongruent to a fully committed life dedicated to charity works and religious devotion. It was not like she had detested being in essence a sex worker, instead she reveled in it. She had spent years improving her skills in shibari to the point where she was recognized as a premier rigger in the BDSM world throughout Europe. She was one of the star artists at Boundcon. And that's not even accounting for the income she derived from her vocation as well as her personal acquired substantial wealth.
Switching to a wholly religious lifestyle would have made been understandable if she felt she was truly heeding a call from God. But throughout their year together, Sieglinde had never alluded to being inspired by such a motive. She certainly did not mention it in her letter as a factor contributing to her sudden decision. Nor during their cohabitation, did she admonish Ingrid for not attending church services more frequently, or for that matter encourage her to attend church. Thus, it would have made more sense if Sieglinde's world had suddenly come crashing down. Personal tragedies sometimes does propel victims of disasters to turn to God for solace, and some have been known to take such action for those reasons alone.
However as noted, Sieglinde's world had not come crashing down. Instead, she was at the pinnacle of her professional success. She was also, by her own admission in the middle of her most romantic, love enduring relationship ever in her life. And from Ingrid's point of view, Sieglinde had to be aware that her love was in full measure returned, notwithstanding that she, Ingrid was not primarily orientated to a lesbian lifestyle. After all, she had advised Sieglinde she was prepared to forego an extensive concert music career in favor of renewing their relationship and residing in Vienna.
Now at this point, Ingrid had become somewhat detached from the effusive flattery she had received as a result of her performances. There was something gratuitous about the complements indifferent people would utter to her about her musical prowess. At first blush, it could be surmised that as her lover, Sieglinde would naturally articulate similar over the top praises that would not necessarily correlate to objective conjectures. Still, Sieglinde was a musician albeit an amateur one, but still knowledgeable enough to discern superior musicianship.
Obviously, Sieglinde's belief that Ingrid was destined to become one of the most celebrated pianist of all time, was genuine. That she was willing in essence to give up her own pleasures in her life to ensure that Ingrid would indeed achieve that expected destiny, speaks volumes as to her regard. Ingrid could only be humbled by the depth of Sieglinde's love for her. So, Ingrid thought the onus was now on her to do everything in her power to reach that destiny so that Sieglinde's sacrifice would not be in vain. Besides, as the letter intimated, she was not a foolish woman. She certainly would take advantage of Sieglinde's generous offer.
Consequently, she got in touch with Vera Starikovich to advise that she would want to take part in Natasha's world tour. She also advised that she would want Vera to act as her agent at least for the tour. Thereafter, a more permanent arrangement could be established. So Ingrid flew to Chicago, to meet with Vera at her office in the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). She had informed Vera of the pertinent particulars of Sieglinde's offer prior to the meeting. Consequently, Vera had a completed contract ready, and the other required documents all prepared. Ingrid was satisfied with the proposed terms. Her only request was that the tour would end in Vienna as she intended to retain the property Sieglinde had offered to her. Thus, once the tour ended it would be convenient for her to remain there for a respite, while contemplating future demands and concerts.
Vera had no problem with amending the tour contract with Ingrid, and she subsequently decided to open her first European office in Vienna, instead of London. Since most of her celebrity clients in Europe were classical music artists, it made more sense to be headquartered in the Austrian capital rather than London. She also believed that Ingrid would become a prominent artist and thereby a very important client. And sensing that Ingrid would now settle in Vienna, it made her decision that much easier to reach.
During the spring break that month, Ingrid went to Vienna to meet the lawyers and settle her affairs in accordance with Sieglinde's dictates. Since Vera and the attorneys in Chicago had meticulously prepared the documents correctly, the transition of Sieglinde's assets to Ingrid went as smoothly as she could have expected.
Ingrid had decided to keep the apartment/complex, and she decided that it would be her permanent home base residence. In reality she had more friends in Vienna then she did have in the United States. Her major source of her friends were members of der HΓΆllenfeuer Verein, and she retained her membership to that club. Sieglinde had in her fancy referred to her bedroom as Siggy's Lair, but Ingrid decide that instead she would denominate the whole apartment as Siggy's Lair. In that regard she retained the paintings of 'Eine Nackte Sieglinde' and 'Eine Bekleidete Sieglinde'. She did give away the orthodox portrait painting of Sieglinde to her parents for display in the Wagner family mansion.
Of course, she also kept the photograph that Sieglinde had taken of her in bondage during the visit in Cleveland. In fact, during her abbreviated stay in Vienna, Ingrid got in touch with Helmut Paburg to commission a painting using the Sieglinde's photograph as the model. Paburg had been grateful to Sieglinde for recognizing his talents and by commissioning the paintings while he was still an art student. So even though, he had since become a well regarded portrait artist who could command substantial fees, he only charged Ingrid the same amount he had received from Sieglinde. Consequently, the subsequent painting which she titled "Ingrid in Knechtschaft" became a suitable companion piece to "Eine Nackte Sieglinde" and "Eine Bekleidete Sieglinde" as wall decorations for the master bedroom.
The senior Wagners held no animus towards Ingrid. Their daughter was not candid as to the reason for making such a drastic change in her life. They had to accept at face value Sieglinde's explanation that she felt a calling to serve the Lord and repent her sinful ways. They suspected that their must have been some discord in the relationship to account for this sudden change, but they were not privy to even a hint of such trouble.