Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 236: Unexpected Visitors

The fine drizzle obscured the color of the sky, and thick clouds prevented the sun's rays from breaking through. It wasn't even five o'clock in the afternoon, yet the city lights were already on. The summer heat was no longer felt in the air; autumn's desolation was eager to spread through the pattering rain. This was typical London weather. Comparatively, there was no strong wind today, which was good news.

The taxi stopped in front of a vintage building. The mottled brick walls clearly showed the layers of water stains, with the original marble appearance almost gone, gradually turning into a dark brown. The typical Victorian-style architecture exuded a sense of antiquity and elegance, with the gray exterior walls conveying an indescribable sense of gloom and restraint. The ancient, heavy door stood solidly, dividing the world into two distinct realms inside and outside.

The three-story structure extended down the street, and the uniform style brought a unique British elegance and nobility. Across the street, the lush greenery stretched endlessly, a rare sight in the densely packed city of London.

Matthew Dunlop opened the car door, and a man dressed in a black three-piece suit quickly descended the stairs to greet him. The man appeared to be at least fifty years old, with most of his hair already gone, yet the remaining strands were meticulously groomed. Despite the rainy weather, his white shirt and black bow tie remained neat and tidy without any sign of sloppiness.

He held a black umbrella, creating a small shelter for Matthew as he escorted him through the intricately carved wooden door. Once inside, he closed the umbrella and placed it in an umbrella holder by the door, then took Matthew's briefcase. "Master Matthew, was your work smooth today?"

"Yes, quite good," Matthew replied, wiping the mud from his shoes on the doormat. "Haiter, are Father and Mother coming back from vacation this weekend?"

"Yes, they'll arrive on a flight Friday afternoon," Haiter Wesley replied proficiently. "Also, Renly is here."

Matthew paused as he was taking off his coat, a hint of surprise and delight flashing across his face. "What? When did he arrive? Why wasn't there any prior notice?"

"At two this afternoon," Haiter's tone remained steady and dutiful. "He mentioned needing to adjust to the time difference and is resting upstairs now. Master Matthew, should we inform Lord George?"

Matthew pondered for a moment, "No need." He took a few steps, stopped, thought again, and added, "Don't tell Father and Mother for now." He handed his coat to Haiter and walked briskly to the second floor, heading towards the guest room.

Approaching the door, he lightened his steps, turned the doorknob quietly, and carefully pushed the door open.

The curtains were tightly drawn, leaving only a dim bedside lamp on, casting a warm glow in the otherwise dark room. Clothes were scattered haphazardly on the floor; one shoe even lay near the door, reflecting Renly's usual style. On the bed lay a figure, deeply asleep, with steady breathing indicating a profound slumber.

Standing by the bed, Matthew recognized the familiar face under the soft light. He hadn't expected Renly to return to London so quietly; it had indeed been a long time. The last time he saw Renly in London was eighteen months ago. The city seemed unchanged, still lifeless and dreary, but Renly was different—so familiar yet so strange.

Matthew could easily imagine Renly's disdainful expression when complaining about London's terrible weather. He could also foresee the lively gossip that would ensue in social circles: the wayward youngest son of the Hall family was back. Imagining Renly's dismissive look, Matthew couldn't help but smile.

He picked up the clothes from the floor, folded them neatly, placed them on the nearby sofa, and then quietly exited the room. Back in the first-floor lounge, he instructed, "Haiter, prepare some hot water. Renly will definitely need a bath when he wakes up. Did he mention where he flew in from?"

"Los Angeles," Haiter replied, standing with his hands clasped respectfully.

"Did he come by taxi himself?" Matthew's question received a confirming nod from Haiter. Shaking his head in mild exasperation, he remarked, "It would have been much easier to call and arrange a pickup from the airport."

"Master Matthew, what should we prepare for dinner?" Haiter inquired again.

"Fish and chips," Matthew replied seriously, though a hint of mischievousness flickered in his eyes. After Haiter nodded in approval, Matthew shook his head, changing his mind, "No, let's prepare roast rabbit, the ones Henry caught during his hunt last weekend. Also, prepare a steak, medium-rare, and bring out the caviar and whiskey."

"Should we use the silverware and the Chinese porcelain?" Haiter asked routinely.

"No need. You know Renly doesn't like those," Matthew waved off the suggestion. Once Haiter left, Matthew thoughtfully reviewed to ensure nothing was overlooked, then returned to his study upstairs to resume work.

Time passed quietly with the soft patter of rain. It seemed the autumn rain wouldn't stop anytime soon.

A knock on the door disrupted the study's tranquility. Matthew looked up to see Renly standing at the door.

Renly, freshly awakened, looked a bit lethargic, his slightly curly hair tousled and untidy. His usually bright eyes were hidden behind a veil of sleepiness, and a weariness hung about him as he dragged himself to the sofa in the study, collapsing onto it as if ready to drift back into sleep at any moment.

Matthew quietly observed his childhood friend, shaking his head in disbelief but smiling nonetheless. "Why did you suddenly come back? You didn't even let me know you were coming to stay here. I could've had Haiter pick you up at the airport."

"Why punish Haiter when he did nothing wrong?" Renly replied, eyes still closed, his voice thick with drowsiness, clearly not fully awake.

Haiter had been the Dunlop family's butler for over thirty years. His father and grandfather had also served as butlers for the Dunlop family, so Haiter not only grew up in the Dunlop household but also watched Matthew grow up. Though a butler, his status and role were different. Naturally, Renly shared a unique bond with Haiter.

"Believe me, Haiter would've been more than happy to pick you up," Matthew replied, settling into the armchair. "If you don't want to stay in Bayswater, you can return to your apartment in Knightsbridge."

London was a vast city with a central area designated as Zone 1, and further zones expanding outward to Zone 6.

Bayswater, located in Zone 2, had two stations and three subway lines passing through, making it the most convenient area to access the city center while significantly lowering rental costs by at least a third. Knightsbridge, on the other hand, was right in the heart of London, next to Hyde Park, serving as a hub for the upper class and a high-end shopping district.

Nobles like the Hall family typically owned more than one residence. The villa in Bayswater was their main residence, boasting eight master bedrooms and two guest lounges. Besides this, each family member had their private abode in London. Renly's apartment was in Knightsbridge, a favorite gathering place for young aristocrats.

The Dunlop family was no different. The mansion Renly visited was located in Green Park, serving as their city residence.

This area, favored by the new aristocracy, had a small park with unmatched geographic advantages, nestled between Hyde Park and St. James's Park, at the end of Oxford Street, and near Buckingham Palace. The park featured several tree-lined avenues composed of historical, towering trees, offering a unique serenity unlike the bustling Hyde Park.

"Because the view here is better. I've missed those trees outside for a long time," Renly replied half-jokingly.

Matthew rolled his eyes, knowing well that if Renly went to his Knightsbridge apartment, his whereabouts would soon be known, but staying in Green Park would allow him a day or two of peace. "Don't worry, I've instructed Haiter not to tell your parents."

Renly shrugged nonchalantly, "It's a small circle." In London's upper society, news spread quickly without any need for intentional fanning. Moreover, his brother Arthur was exceptionally well-informed. Even if it didn't spread today, it would be known by tomorrow or the day after. "Where are your parents?"

"They're vacationing in Sicily and will be back this weekend," Matthew replied. "Do you plan to greet them?"

"Of course, if I run into them," Renly said, indifferent.

"If you'd rather avoid them, you can stay at my apartment in Notting Hill," Matthew suggested with a smile. He saw Renly's surprised and pleased expression, and his smile widened. He knew his friend's true thoughts well. "Take a bath first. Haiter should have the hot water ready. After dinner, we'll head to Notting Hill."