Who does Claire return to America for in the Outlander books?

Claire is heading back to America without Jamie in Outlander Season 7B. Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan have teased this in a recent interview. Now some fans want all the spoilers.

It does look like the TV show is going to change who Claire goes back for just slightly. This could be linked to the time available, especially due to a certain couple of characters not showing up in Outlander Season 7B.

So, who does Claire originally go back for, and how could things change in Outlander Season 7B? We need to look at An Echo in the Bone for those answers.

Claire returns for Henri-Christian in the Outlander books

In the books, Laoghaire learns that her grandson Henri-Christian needs surgery. His tonsils are swollen, and he goes through regular bouts of being unable to breathe. As much as Laoghaire hates Claire, she also knows that Claire is a skilled surgeon and can help.

Little does Laoghaire realize but Henri-Christian is a grandson to Claire as well. She was always going to go back to America for him, but she does manage to manipulate the situation for her and Jamie’s benefit.

Claire goes back without Jamie. Jamie is needed in Scotland at that point. Young Ian goes back with Claire, though.

Claire may return for another patient in Outlander Season 7B

There is a photo from the season that shows Claire treating a man. This is definitely not Henri-Christian, but it is likely a storyline from the books. When Claire gets back, Lord John Grey also asks her for help. His nephew has been shot and needs surgery to survive.

It’s possible that this is the reason Claire returns to America in Outlander Season 7B. There is still a chance that Laoghaire gets a letter, but we know that Marsali and Fergus won’t be in the next eight episodes. That means we won’t see them or Henri-Christian. It makes more sense to have Claire return for the surgery that we will see, which is linked to Lord John Grey.

Of course, John would send for Claire Fraser. He has come to respect Claire as a woman and as a healer. He knows that if anyone can save his nephew, she can. So it would make sense for him to write to her while she is in Scotland to ask for her to return to help.

Outlander Season 7B premieres on Friday, Nov. 22 on Starz.

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