His indoctrination into the Geneva bourgeoisie required some doing—speech, movement, philosophy, art, finances. The biggest challenge to face us was instructing the man on the ways of courtship. His return to society would, at some point, require him to seduce and woo the fairer sex. Much to my surprise, Johann excelled at every turn. On the rare occasion he stumbled, a quick hour or two at the piano would have him tuned and refocused on the task at hand. Both Elizabeth and Mother had taken a keen interest in Johann—primarily for his prowess on the keys. Every so often, however, I would have sworn there was some other motivating factor behind the eyes of my wife. While in the presence of Herr Grimm, Elizabeth’s smile was brighter, and her eyes filled with a universe of stars. His great moment of introduction came by happenstance. The symphony had arranged for a pianist who’d studied under the great Joseph Haydn to appear for a concert to raise funds for the hall. When the pianist took ill, word spread fast that Maestro Giersbergen was desperate for a replacement.
