[ Fortunately, Jamie is a patient, persistent bastard when he wants to be. He takes her angry diatribe in stride. ]

Helpless or no, no man lays hands on a woman in my sight without answerin' for it.

[ Simple as that. Jamie's not about to apologize for trying to help someone, regardless of who it is. ]

As for your idea, I see no reason to do such a thing - I dinna need to ken what you've been through in your life to have fellow-feeling for your losses. The world is hard on a great many people.

[ He has absolutely no interest in playing the 'my backstory is worse than yours' game. But he does offer her his hand - the right, scarred and stiff and crippled. ]

My name is Alexander, and I would like to see ye home safely, however.