Jamie's words held a hidden motive, a subtle attempt to gauge Claire's reaction. When Dougal had questioned her earlier, she had introduced herself as Mrs Evans, but Jamie knew she could have lied for her safety. In the dangerous Highlands, it was wise for a woman to have a husband, even if he wasn't present, as it provided a certain level of protection. Yet, he desperately hoped that she had lied, unwilling to accept the possibility that Claire already belonged to another man.