"Would you like to see Mr. Anderson?" Horace's voice drew her back to reality.

Noticing his puzzled expression, she realized she must have inadvertently whispered Theodore's name while lost in her thoughts.

Regaining her composure, she asked, "Where is he?"

"He may be occupied at the moment—" Horace hesitated briefly before continuing, “But if you wish to see him, I can contact him immediately. I'm certain he'd be delighted to hear from you."

Ariana lowered her gaze, took a moment to think, and then shook her head.