The Greatest Showman #710 - Resentment Brother

Arthur Hall was dressed in a riding suit today: a red, double-breasted checked jacket, a pristine white shirt, black wide-leg breeches, and dark brown riding boots. His light brown gloves and beautifully woven horsewhip added a touch of grace. There was a charming wind-swept quality to his restrained demeanor, and his raised brows exuded a carefree, maddening air of independence.

To be honest, Arthur was the most handsome and well-known member of the Hall family. But Edith never liked him. Her words were blunt: "It's all skin—delicate skin, but no soul. It's like a gorgeous costume on a scarecrow. From a distance, it's fine for a little fun, but that's it."

Arthur Hall, the eldest son of the Hall family, was one year younger than Elf and six years older than Renly. He could easily be described as an unemployed, aimless wanderer, spending his days at parties, dinners, and social events, seemingly without a care. However, in truth, he was one of the most influential people in the Hall family.

Arthur held the title of "Party/Dinner Planner," a seemingly frivolous job, but one that wove him deeply into the fabric of British high society. His noble birth, his father's work in finance, his mother's role in the arts, and his own time studying at Trinity College, Cambridge, all gave him the connections and advantages that made his position in the family invaluable.

Arthur's life was one of comfort and ease. His role in the family was to maintain relationships and manage connections—something he excelled at thanks to his wit and charm. Unlike Elf, who was well-mannered, or Renly, who was untamed, Arthur played the part of the charming and well-behaved gentleman, while secretly following his own path.

Renly saw Arthur as the epitome of a modern aristocrat: one who wore a noble façade, hiding his true self beneath the mask of charm. To Renly, Arthur seemed like a shell—beautiful but empty, his vitality slowly withering in silence.

At times, Renly envied Arthur. If he weren't a reborn man with a dream, he might have found Arthur's life alluring. Many people would envy such a carefree existence, with little to worry about except the next party.

Arthur leaned back in his seat, legs crossed, hands resting on the armrests, head tilted back slightly. A stunning woman stood beside him, her body leaning in as they spoke in hushed tones. Arthur did most of the talking, and the woman laughed brightly, her entire demeanor giving off a carefree, almost intoxicated air.

Renly, however, wasn't interested in interrupting their conversation. He walked over and sat diagonally from Arthur in the sand, not engaging in the exchange. But both Arthur and the woman noticed his arrival, pausing their conversation. Arthur turned his head, glancing at Renly, who met his gaze and said, "I hope I'm not disturbing anything important. I'll just have a hot cocoa, thank you."

Arthur's smile was cool, but the sharpness in his voice was evident as he responded, "If you knew you were interrupting, you shouldn't have shown up. Smart people know when to stay out of the way."

Renly raised an eyebrow, "Shall I leave then?" He stood up as though to leave, causing Arthur to roll his eyes, knowing well that Renly was only feigning a threat. He had a task to fulfill, and if things weren't handled delicately, the news would reach George's ears—and Renly would be the one to suffer.

Arthur, however, was no fool. He shot back, "You know this conversation was inevitable. Whether it happens now or at the Dormer house unveiling, it's coming."

Renly didn't seem to care. "Then we'll see each other at the unveiling. No need for two meetings," he said, offering no hesitation as he turned to leave.

Arthur, slightly irritated, knew well how difficult Renly was to deal with. He was more troublesome than Elf, and every time they interacted, Arthur felt trapped in his own words. Renly's sharp wit and unyielding nature made it impossible to get the upper hand.

"Renly!" Arthur called out, his frustration mounting. But Renly kept walking, unaffected. Arthur, almost at a loss, shouted, "Joe! Joe, stop Master Renly."

The waiter by the door, hesitant, didn't block Renly's path but gestured to him. "Lord Renly, someone is calling you."

Renly stopped but didn't turn around. Instead, he addressed the waiter, "Joe, what's the fine for disturbing the peace in the afternoon tea hall?"

"Three hundred pounds, sir," Joe responded respectfully, lowering his gaze.

Renly nodded. "Please put it under Lord George's name, and make sure to write it down." He then walked back toward Arthur and sat down with a casual air. "I assume you had a reason for calling me back?"

Arthur, no longer angry, simply smiled. Renly had a way of provoking George and Elizabeth, and Arthur couldn't help but enjoy the spectacle. He and Edith both found it amusing to watch Renly get under their parents' skin.

The woman beside Arthur, noticing the exchange, finally spoke. "Arthur, may I ask who this is?" She looked Renly over with bold curiosity.

Her approach was audacious, a stark contrast to the decorum expected at Hurlingham Club. Such directness was rare in high society, where every gesture and word was weighed carefully.

Renly glanced at her and then Arthur, recognizing the situation. The woman, dressed in a form-fitting black evening dress, was undeniably beautiful—her body sculpted, her face delicate, and her hair a golden cascade. Yet, her eyes betrayed a shallowness, a lack of true depth.

Arthur, noticing Renly's reaction, chuckled softly. "I just met Miss Hazel. She's quite... forward."

Renly didn't bite. Instead, he said, "Oh? I thought you and actors rarely shared the same space, like George and Elizabeth. I suppose Miss Hazel is quite charming after all."

The exchange of words was quick and pointed, too much for Hazel to keep up with. Before Arthur could intervene, she extended her hand, introducing herself with an air of confidence, "Keeley-Hazel."

Arthur, finally processing, introduced them. "Miss Hazel, this is Renly Hall."

Keeley, unaware of the shared surname, only saw a potential opportunity. "Renly, I'm sure you know Miss Hazel. She's also an actress, your colleague, no?" Her tone carried a playful, almost mocking edge.

Renly remained unbothered. "Really? I didn't think actors mingled at these events. It seems Miss Hazel truly is captivating."