Theodore inclined his head as if to say of course, understanding. His father's research was much more interesting to him than his other 'duties', though he knew that his priorities in that regard were not the ones that mattered. He was just glad to have an area where their interests did, to some extent, overlap.
The dining room was familiar to Theodore, all its decorations and furnishings the same as they had been when he was here last, and the time before that. His own style of decor was far more sparse and utilitarian, but since he had been and was still living in his family's properties - even in London, in his father's old place - he was more than accustomed to his surroundings.
"We do often manage that," he said, his expression showing real, genuine amusement for the first time. He had not only inherited his father's habit of being prompt, but also his tendency to make jokes about it. "It is rather good to be home, right now. I hardly realize how much I work until I notice how much time has passed since I sat down for a meal with anyone."