The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 13: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens with Jameson and Avery alone in a crypt, strategizing their next move. Avery decides to call Alisa Ortega, her formidable lawyer and fixer, to accept an invitation to a high-profile London event. Jameson recognizes the opportunity to gain attention from influential figures, aligning with his penchant for impossible challenges. The scene sets the tone for their dynamic—Avery’s boldness and Jameson’s strategic mind—as they prepare to step into a world of wealth and power.
As they prepare for the event, Jameson dons a formal morning coat and selects a top hat, his excitement palpable. Nash, his older brother, interrupts with a cryptic warning about Jameson’s pursuit of Ian, hinting at unresolved family tensions. Jameson dismisses Nash’s concerns, asserting his loyalty to their chosen family—the Hawthornes and Avery. The exchange reveals Jameson’s determination and Nash’s protective instincts, adding depth to their sibling relationship.
The focus shifts to Avery’s stunning transformation for the event. Dressed in a white lace gown that accentuates her figure, she embodies elegance and allure. Jameson is captivated, his attraction to her undeniable. The stylists complete her look with a striking hat adorned with a jeweled black rose, heightening her magnetic presence. The scene underscores their chemistry and the anticipation of their next adventure.
The chapter concludes with Jameson guessing their destination—the races—as he takes Avery’s hand, electrified by her touch. Their playful banter and shared excitement mark the beginning of a high-stakes mission. The chapter masterfully blends tension, romance, and intrigue, leaving readers eager to see how their plans unfold in the glamorous yet dangerous world they’re about to enter.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Avery’s phone call to Alisa Ortega in this chapter, and what does it reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Avery’s call to Alisa Ortega marks a strategic decision to attend a high-profile social event in London, which serves multiple purposes. Alisa is described as not just Avery’s lawyer but also a “publicist, part fixer, wholly terrifying,” indicating she handles sensitive matters beyond legal affairs. This reveals their relationship is built on trust and utility—Alisa provides access to influential circles while Avery relies on her for both foundation business and personal strategy. The call demonstrates Avery’s willingness to leverage social connections for their current objectives, showing she understands the power of visibility among “the rich, the powerful, the connected” (p. 62).2. Analyze the symbolic contrast between Jameson’s and Nash’s attitudes toward formal attire. What deeper conflict does this highlight between the brothers?
Answer:
Jameson’s meticulous selection of a top hat and formal wear reflects his adaptability and enjoyment of high-stakes challenges (“the more impossible the challenge… the more it brought the world into focus,” p. 62). In contrast, Nash’s dry comment (“I wouldn’t go for any of them”) underscores his resistance to pretension and preference for simplicity. This surfaces a deeper tension: Nash worries Jameson is chasing dangerous connections (like their biological father, Ian), while Jameson dismisses these concerns (“Blood doesn’t make family,” p. 63). The attire becomes a metaphor for their differing approaches to identity—Jameson embraces performative roles, whereas Nash values authenticity.3. How does the description of Avery’s outfit (pp. 63–64) serve both a practical and thematic purpose in the narrative?
Answer:
Practically, Avery’s elegant white lace dress and striking black-rose hat align with the event’s formal dress code (later revealed as a horse race). Thematically, the outfit symbolizes duality and strategy. The modest cut contrasts with its fitted silhouette, mirroring Avery’s ability to balance propriety with allure to manipulate situations. Jameson’s reaction—noting how the dress “left just enough to the imagination”—highlights their chemistry and the recurring theme of calculated presentation. The black rose’s jeweled petals further suggest hidden danger beneath beauty, foreshadowing the high-stakes nature of their upcoming mission.4. Evaluate Jameson’s statement: “Blood doesn’t make family.” How does this chapter challenge or support his claim?
Answer:
Jameson’s assertion (p. 63) reflects his loyalty to the found-family dynamic with the Hawthornes and Avery, rejecting biological ties to Ian. The chapter supports this through Nash’s protective confrontation, demonstrating non-biological brotherly concern (“you’re not me, Jamie,” p. 62). However, it also challenges the idea subtly: Jameson’s fixation on Ian (“I take it Avery told you about Ian”) implies unresolved curiosity about blood relations. His defiance (“I don’t need anything else”) feels performative, suggesting internal conflict. The theme is nuanced—while chosen family is central, biology still exerts psychological pressure.5. Predict the implications of the chapter’s final line: “This was the beginning.” What narrative purpose does it serve?
Answer:
The line (p. 64) signals a pivotal shift in the story’s momentum. Literally, it references Jameson and Avery’s departure for the races—a setting ripe for social maneuvering. Symbolically, it marks the start of their mission to attract the Proprietor’s attention (“Step one, get the Proprietor’s attention,” p. 62). The phrase also hints at emotional beginnings: Avery’s strategic embrace of high society and Jameson’s reckoning with familial identity. By closing on this note, the chapter builds anticipation, framing the event as a catalyst for upcoming conflicts, alliances, and character growth.
Quotes
1. ““Feel up to making a call?” […] “Alisa? You know that event you were trying to talk me into? I’ve had a change of heart. It would be good for the foundation for me to see and be seen while I’m in London.””
This exchange between Jameson and Avery marks a pivotal strategic decision—leveraging a high-profile social event to advance their goals. It showcases their dynamic partnership and Avery’s ability to pivot quickly when opportunity arises.
2. ““Come on, Hawthorne,” she called back over her shoulder. “What’s life without surprise?””
Avery’s playful challenge encapsulates the chapter’s adventurous spirit and the characters’ embrace of calculated risks. This line highlights the chemistry between them and sets the tone for their upcoming mission.
3. ““I’m not you,” Nash replied. The words were plain enough, but Jameson heard layers of meaning buried there […] “I met Jake Nash and walked away just fine. But you’re not me, Jamie.””
Nash’s warning reveals the emotional undercurrents about family ties and personal history. This tense brotherly exchange foreshadows potential conflicts regarding Jameson’s pursuit of biological connections.
4. “Jameson knew her body—every inch of it—but if he hadn’t, that dress would have had him wanting to, dying to. […] There was just enough left to the imagination to make Jameson want to imagine it.”
This vivid description of Avery’s transformation demonstrates Jameson’s intense attraction and the chapter’s sensual undercurrent. The passage also subtly contrasts their personal connection with the performative nature of high society.
5. ““Are we, by any chance,” he said, answering her challenge, “off to the races?””
Jameson’s final line reveals his sharp deduction skills while maintaining their playful dynamic. The racing metaphor perfectly captures the high-stakes game they’re about to play in London’s elite circles.