TOURING


PART 04 -VIENNA BOUND

Emily greeted them in the breakfast nook the next morning. They sat down to pastries, juice, and coffee.
Emily mentioned that itinerary for the day. They would tour the Kunsthistorisches, Vienna's most famous
art museum this morning. The museum displayed the works of Pieter Brueghel the Elder, and Gustav Klimt. Klimt was born of the Vienna Secession at the turn of the 20th century. Also, she was going to try
and tour the Spanish Riding School, which featured the high-stepping Lipizzaner Stallions.

Our couple dreamily acknowledged her, taking most of her words in, but holding hands under the table at
the same time.

Emily approvingly took all this in, and nodded joyously to herself. The Viennese romantic atmosphere was
working it's charm.

It had been a busy morning for tourists and guide, so they decided they needed a break, and had lunch at
Café Central. They were engaged in a lighthearted debate, when a fellow British agent, David Tarkington,
and his friend, Cindy Winthrop, interrupted them in greeting.

David was handsome, blond hair and blue eyes, and had worked with Amanda and Lee once before.
David was definitely smitten with Amanda.

Lee's jealousy had made it's ugly head known then. Now, Scarecrow's jaw clenched in instant displeasure,
as he viewed MI-6's assessment of his partner. Cindy, meanwhile, an attractive blonde, found Lee to be a
pleasant distraction.

Amanda was well aware of Lee's feelings. She was pleasant to both Cindy and David as they took their leave, and gave a slight look of displeasure to Mr. Stetson. Emily thought the whole predicament delightful.

Emily addressed Lee, and mentioned that she and Amanda would be going shopping that afternoon in the Mall district, and did he wish to accompany them.

Lee thought about the invitation for a minute, and decided he would rather be with Amanda than alone.
Yes, he very much wished to shop with them.

Amanda purchased some gifts for her family. She had shopped frugally in Salzburg, and had some spending money to use for purchases in Vienna.

Emily decided to separate from the couple for awhile, to complete her own list of items she wanted.

Lee and Amanda walked hand in hand through the large Mall area. They were scheduled to return in an
hour to meet Emily at the entrance.

Amanda wanted to visit the dress shops because she really needed another gown for their night at the
opera house.

A small, but elegant shoppe, caught her eye, and she wandered in with Scarecrow at her side.

A nice selection of formal wear was displayed. Amanda wanted something different. As Lee browsed
with her, an elegant sky blue evening gown caught his eye. Sequins, and understated diamonds graced
the bodice of the spaghetti strap gown. The dress had a slit up the front, and a sweetheart neckline.
The embroidery surrounding the decorations added an Austrian accent to his beautiful ensemble. Rich
pink and blue accents prevailed . An evening wrap of deep solid pink completed the outfit.
Lee fell in love with it. He decided it was made only for Amanda. He requested that she try it on for him.

She came out of the dressing room looking very glamorous, Lee could not speak, he was mesmerized.
"It's so beautiful, Lee, I love it, but I don't think I can afford it."

"I want to buy it for you, Amanda, please let me."

"Lee, it's too expensive," she interrupted.

"Amanda, you have to get this dress. I won't take no for an answer. It's made for you," he pleaded.

"Madame, would you like to look at accenting jewelry made especially for this gown?"

"No, I-----started Mrs. King.

"Yes, she would," corrected her partner.

"Lee," she rallied decisively, "I can't ". Lee stopped her with his finger to her lips, and remarked to the
sales assistant, "Let's see what you have."

Madame Folet, the sales clerk, showed a diamond heart pendant, and matching earrings, picking up the colors of the dress, with deep pink and aqua blue stones surrounding the diamonds.

"They're exquisite, Lee, but I can't afford them, and I can't let you purchase both the gown and the jewelry, it's just not fair to you."

Lee looked at her with those puppy dog eyes, "Please"

Amanda thought for a minute, and relented. "All right, we'll take both items," she echoed to Madame Folet, "please get them ready for me."

She took Scarecrow to the side, and reaffirmed her promise to help him pay for, at least, the jewelry.
He hesitantly agreed,

The time came to meet Emily at the entrance to the Mall. She was patiently waiting for them. Since they
had reservations at the K & K Restaurant, the threesome returned to the Farnsworth estate.

They dressed nicely for the Piaristenkeller. The Piaristenkeller is a very popular and traditional restaurant
deep in Austrian culture.

The wine list reflects the history of the K & K. Viennese meat rolls and beef roulades are served in the
traditional style. This encompasses being served more than one round of specialized roulades with
different fillings. Side dishes and sauces were added to complete the bill of fare.

So far, their stay in Vienna could fill the accolades of an advertisement for the time of your life.

It had been a busy day. Amanda showed Emily her dress and accenting jewelry, pointing out that Lee
had been the primary selective.

Everyone was really tired from the day's activities, and retired early.

Lee knocked on the common door again. "Come on in, Lee."

He thought she looked beautiful in her white nightgown. He sat near her on the bed, and took her hand
in his. They talked a little about what they would tackle tomorrow. They would tour the Hofburg Palace
in the morning, and after lunch, would see what the rest of the day would bring.

"I had a wonderful time today, Amanda. I loved being with you, and I look forward to tomorrow. I'll
say goodnight, then." He leaned in, and touched her lips with his own lightly. She wrapped her arms
around his neck, deepening the kiss, to his delight.

Amanda broke the kiss, and whispered, "goodnight, Lee. See you in the morning."

He caressed her cheek. "Goodnight, my Amanda."

TBC