[Stillborn. It does add a somber note to their conversation. Especially since Grey's first sister-in-law, Esme, actually had died in childbirth. Her and the baby both. Lord John had still been young at the time, but he had understood even then how much it had hurt his brother. Just as he understands how much he loves his children now.

Raising his glass, he takes a solid swallow of it, letting the alcohol burn its way down his throat before he replies.]

I am sorry. For your loss. Yours and Claire's.

[He pauses for another moment, weighing his words carefully, before he continues:] Yet you must recognize the gift it is you have been given. Here and now. She does not need you to teach her how to walk or talk, no, but she is still only -- what, twenty years old?

[He quirks a soft smile at the other man.] She still needs her father. Trust me on that much.

[Take it from a man who was twelve when his own father was murdered and thus grew up without one from that point on himself.]