In the spring of 1928 Felix von Armstadt and his wife visited the Netherlands, as the start of a long promised tour of Europe. The trip was cut short when word reached Von Armstadt that a major oil deal he had struck in Saudi Arabia was jeopardized by family feuds. Von Armstadt left immediately to resolve this explosive situation. Some sources speculate that the havoc surrounding the Saudi deal triggered a series of events that ultimately led to Von Armstadt's murder. Emmy Buckingham Parker initially remained in Amsterdam, awaiting her husband's return. She chose not to respond to Von Armstadt's request to join him in the Middle East, opting instead to stay with longtime friends Edgar and Nicoletta Totenburger in the Ardennes. This gave rise to speculation that their marriage was strained. But Nicoletta Totenburger denied any such idea. "She just popped up on our doorstep with just one man-servant. She was as vibrant as ever and appeared to be very happy indeed. She probably needed some time alone, as, God knows, anyone does who is married". Edgar Totenburger declined to comment.

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