"Starting from the start is usually helpful, but starting from the middle is sometimes more interesting." Charlie wasn't trying to be rude, nor was he making light of the situation. He was being Charlie. A sign that he was paying attention, though, was the way he looked at Honour; he wasn't glancing to the side in thought, and he wasn't just eating as he listened. She had his full attention, which wasn't always a fun thing.
"What happened?" It was a simple question, and for some people, it was one of the hardest to answer. He just sat there and waited, watching her carefully. Ted wasn't forgotten, but for now, he wasn't as important as finding out whatever was troubling the young woman.