The Greatest Showman - Chapter 971: A Glimpse of Guests

Suddenly, Ned turned his head, casting a glance through the crack in the door. In the soft halo of light, Renly's tall, straight back blocked most of his view. Only a few figures were discernible in the corner of his vision, their elegant dinner attire giving off an aura of importance. Though the faces remained hidden, the details—polished and distinct—hinted at their status and grandeur.

Before Ned could investigate further, the sound of laughter cut through the air, snapping him back to reality. His heart skipped a beat, a wave of unease washing over him. He quickly averted his gaze, focusing once more on Tom and Joe in front of him. The image of the guests he had glimpsed still lingered in his mind, but his curiosity began to wane. It was as though a fog had settled over his thoughts.

Fortunately, the group of young actors in front of him continued their conversation without needing his guidance. They spoke freely, filling the air with chatter, allowing Ned to blend back into the moment. But still, he couldn't shake the question: who were Renly's mysterious visitors?

Renly chuckled lightly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he raised an eyebrow. "At least they attended tonight's premiere. I suppose that makes them supporters—consider it a statement."

Elf, however, remained silent, her gaze shifting to Emma. She closed her chin politely and addressed her. "Ms. Fielding, would you mind giving us some space? Thank you."

Her words carried no explicit reason or modification, but the warmth of her smile, coupled with the gentleness in her eyes, exuded an unspoken authority that couldn't be ignored.

Emma, seasoned in the ways of the upper crust, knew well the airs of aristocracy. While she might not care for it, she understood the need to avoid unnecessary conflict. She didn't respond immediately but instead turned to Renly. After receiving his subtle affirmation, she replied, "Of course, no problem at all." Then, with a lighthearted tone, she added, "Dinner is soon to begin, and the audience wouldn't want to miss the second half of the show. And, of course, the actors don't want to go onstage unprepared. So, don't lose track of time."

They all exchanged polite smiles and nods, then turned their attention elsewhere. Emma, feeling an unsettling chill, quickly retreated down the corridor.

Despite her departure, the air remained tense in the hallway. Renly said nothing. Elf remained quiet, and Arthur stood by, trying his best to blend into the background, pretending he was invisible.

An uneasy silence settled over the group.

Normally, Elf would have broken the silence, as her upbringing taught her to never allow such awkwardness to fester, even when facing adversity. But today, things were different. There was an unspoken tension that hung in the air.

"Looks like you've found some drama worth watching," Renly said, his voice light, almost amused.

Arthur, though sensing something, couldn't quite place it. Elf, however, understood.

She remembered meeting Renly when he returned to London to film Crazy two years ago. Back then, she had asked him to recommend some West End plays to see. At the time, Renly had said he had nothing to suggest. Now, however, they found themselves once again in the West End, but things had changed.

"2012. We can't ask for much more," Elf replied nonchalantly. Subtext: the Almeida Theater version of Les Miserables was still far from ideal. "But I hear Trafalgar is rehearsing an avant-garde play. That sounds exciting."

"The Witch?" Renly asked with a spark of recognition. "Yes, I've heard a lot of buzz about that one. If I have time, I'll go check it out."

Elf, now more engaged in the conversation, responded with a hint of sarcasm. "Have you started watching dramas again? I thought Broadway in the U.S. was dominated by tourists now. It's become quite dull compared to London's West End."

Arthur, unable to keep quiet any longer, slapped his forehead in frustration. "Can't you two see the elephant in the room?" he blurted out, exasperated. "We're at the Almeida, we just saw Renly perform onstage, and yet we're still talking about avant-garde drama like Les Miserables never happened. How ridiculous is that?"

Renly smiled, his expression light but his eyes sharp as he looked at Arthur. "What's the matter, Arthur? You want to see the elephant in the room? Or are you too afraid to confront it? An elephant?"

The situation could not have been clearer. George and Elizabeth had chosen to avoid the issue, pretending nothing had happened. Despite Renly's presence in London, in the West End, and in the midst of Les Miserables, they still refused to acknowledge him. It was absurd, it was laughable, and yet it was real.

The elephant in the room—so big, so obvious, yet ignored by all.

Renly's words struck a nerve with Arthur, who opened his mouth but couldn't find the words. He sighed in frustration. "Damn it, why didn't Edith come back?"

He hated the situation, this deadlock where neither side would yield. Renly refused to budge, and George and the others would not compromise. It was a stalemate, and neither side was willing to give in.

For many aristocratic families, this was normal. The father led his own life, the mother hers, and the children lived their own as well. They were all strangers bound only by blood.

Deep down, Arthur admired and envied Renly. Now, he understood why Edith had always left.

"Alf, remember when you told me as a kid that the elephant is a tolerant creature, bearing everything silently? But you didn't tell me what happens when the elephant gets angry," Renly said with a playful yet serious look, glancing at Elf.

The elephant in the room was undeniable. It was there, large and threatening, yet so silent and gentle. Everyone ignored it, avoided it. Over time, they became so used to its presence that it was no longer questioned. But one day, that elephant would get angry.

Elf locked eyes with Renly, and for a moment, she faltered. His gaze was unwavering—calm, confident, sincere—and it made her feel slightly uneasy. She raised her chin, meeting his eyes without flinching, but couldn't find the words to respond.

Renly's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Thank you for your visit," he said lightly, but with an edge to his voice. "But I have to get back now. You know, there's still a lot to do. Please send my regards to George and Elizabeth."

He turned to leave, but then paused and turned back around. "And tell Philip I hope he enjoys it."