In truth, he is showing care for her.

I've had to train my dogs, adopted as rescues, to overcome irrational fears. I did a lot of research, and now the dogs are well adjusted and confident.
The key was NOT to coddle them and stroke them, etc. That just convinces them that their fears are justified. What you need to do is treat them normally. Maybe encourage play, bit don't reward them for acting fearful... save rewards and "good dogs" for when they get curious and venture out, overcoming their fear.

I was mistaken at the start of this by wearing a scarf, trying to be kind to those with fear, even though common sense told me it was useless. It made it worse. My jokes about cleaning a beehive out of a wall wearing a helmet made of chicken wire were much better. Made them laugh and think!