"Aye, she's a clever woman. Smarter than I am, in any case," he says fondly.

What the lass says next is why Jamie's kept a respectable distance, and he bows a bit, showing no offense to her caution.

"Ye're a good lass wi' your wits about ye. If ever ye do find yourself needing anythin', my wife and my daughter wouldna mind it. Neither would I, if ye get to know me." And if not, well, that's fine, too.

"Claire Fraser. Ye can find her in Frigg and at the hospital, mostly."