Ah.

[John understands when he has stumbled upon a delicate subject, though he is too British to acknowledge his mistake aloud.]

I am sorry for your loss, madam.

[He is quiet for a long moment, uncertain how to proceed before he admits, abruptly:] My father passed away. When I was twelve.

[He was murdered, he thinks to himself, but he best not tell her that. It's not exactly a conversation for polite company. In fact, he's not sure that even as much as he's said is, but he continues on regardless despite himself.]

It was a difficult time for all of us. Not the least of all because my mother saw fit to then ship me off to finish my schooling for the next few years with her family in Aberdeen.

[He flicks her something of a smile to lighten the mood. A joke. Though technically true. Aberdeen had been miserable, as far as he was concerned.]