The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 14: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnJameson and Avery arrive at an exclusive, high-society event reminiscent of the Kentucky Derby but with a royal twist. The atmosphere is opulent, filled with elite attendees dressed in top hats and elegant attire, all vying for attention. Despite the presence of royals, Avery becomes a focal point due to her status as the Hawthorne heiress and her recent decision to give away a vast fortune. The absence of press and personal security adds to the event’s exclusivity, setting the stage for their strategic maneuvering among the wealthy and powerful.
As the event progresses, Avery and Jameson skillfully navigate conversations, leveraging Avery’s newfound notoriety to their advantage. They drop cryptic hints about their true intentions, particularly regarding Avery’s horses, Thamenold and Lady Monoceros. Jameson’s playful rearrangement of Thamenold’s name—”The old man”—hints at deeper layers of meaning tied to their grandfather’s legacy. Their interactions are calculated, designed to pique curiosity and draw out potential allies or adversaries who might recognize their subtle cues.
The duo engages in a game of verbal chess, with Jameson deliberately mentioning “Devil’s Mercy” instead of the correct “Devil’s Duel” to test the waters. This misdirection serves as a coded message, aiming to identify individuals familiar with hidden networks or secretive dealings. Avery’s coy responses and Jameson’s strategic pauses create an air of intrigue, leaving their wealthy counterparts both intrigued and slightly unsettled. Their goal is clear: to uncover a connection to a shadowy world beneath the surface of high society.
By the chapter’s end, Jameson reflects on their progress, acknowledging the uncertainty of their plan. They have sown the seeds of curiosity and speculation, but the response from the elite crowd remains unpredictable. The chapter leaves readers with a sense of anticipation, as Jameson and Avery’s calculated risks could either lead them closer to their objective or expose them to unforeseen dangers. The blend of glamour, strategy, and underlying tension encapsulates the duo’s dynamic and the high-stakes world they inhabit.
FAQs
1. How does Jameson describe the event they attend at the beginning of the chapter, and what does this comparison reveal about the setting?
Answer:
Jameson describes the event as “like the Kentucky Derby, but make it royal.” This comparison highlights the elite and extravagant nature of the gathering, suggesting it combines the high-energy spectacle of a famous horse race with the sophistication and exclusivity of royal affairs. The description emphasizes the presence of wealthy, famous, and powerful attendees, as noted by the mention of “top hats and long-tailed jackets” and women dressed for Vogue. The royal comparison also hints at the high stakes and prestige associated with the event.2. What strategy do Avery and Jameson employ to attract attention and achieve their goals at the event?
Answer:
Avery and Jameson use a combination of subtle hints, strategic ambiguity, and coded language to pique curiosity and draw out specific individuals. For example, Jameson deliberately mentions “Devil’s Mercy” instead of the correct “Devil’s Duel,” knowing that someone familiar with the hidden meaning will recognize the reference. Avery also alludes to “intriguing options” in London, creating an air of mystery. Their approach relies on the assumption that the right person will pick up on these clues and respond, demonstrating their cleverness and understanding of the social dynamics at play.3. Analyze the significance of the horse names “Thamenold” and “Lady Monoceros” in the context of the chapter.
Answer:
The horse names carry layered meanings that reflect deeper themes in the chapter. “Thamenold” is an anagram for “the old man,” a nod to the hidden messages and puzzles that Jameson’s grandfather favored. This suggests that the Hawthorne family legacy involves complexity and wordplay. “Lady Monoceros” references the mythological unicorn (Monoceros means unicorn in Greek), symbolizing rarity and mystique—qualities that align with Avery and Jameson’s search for something extraordinary at the event. Both names underscore the chapter’s themes of secrecy, legacy, and the pursuit of hidden truths.4. Why does Jameson believe that someone at the event will recognize the name “Devil’s Mercy,” and what does this reveal about their objectives?
Answer:
Jameson assumes that “Devil’s Mercy” is a coded reference known only to a select few, likely members of a secretive group or organization. By dropping this name, he aims to identify individuals who are part of this inner circle, as they would recognize the intentional “mistake.” This tactic reveals that Avery and Jameson are seeking access to exclusive information or connections, possibly related to the Hawthorne family’s enigmatic past or their current mission. Their reliance on subtlety and insider knowledge suggests they are navigating a world where power and influence operate beneath the surface.5. How does the chapter build tension around Avery and Jameson’s interactions with the other attendees?
Answer:
The chapter creates tension through the duo’s calculated dialogue and the reactions of those around them. Each exchange is laden with double meanings, such as Avery’s coy refusal to confirm rumors or Jameson’s baiting comments about “Devil’s Mercy.” The repeated emphasis on silence and pauses (e.g., “He counted the beats of silence”) heightens the suspense, as readers wonder who will take the bait and how they will respond. The uncertainty of how their targets will react (“it’s anyone’s guess”) adds to the intrigue, leaving both the characters and the audience on edge about the outcome of their scheme.
Quotes
1. “Like the Kentucky Derby,” Jameson murmured in Avery’s ear as they stepped onto a fabulously green lawn, “but make it royal.””
This opening line perfectly sets the extravagant, high-society tone of the scene while showcasing Jameson’s witty observational style. It contrasts American and British elite culture through a sports analogy.
2. “The rich. The famous. The connected. The royal.”
This terse, impactful listing emphasizes the exclusive nature of the event and the elevated social circles the characters are navigating. The parallel structure builds momentum toward the most privileged category: royalty.
3. “Jameson’s mind automatically rearranged the letters in the horse’s name. The old man. As with everything his grandfather had ever done, there were layers of meaning.”
This quote reveals Jameson’s analytical mind and the Hawthorne family’s penchant for hidden meanings. It demonstrates how legacy and puzzles permeate their world, even in seemingly straightforward details.
4. “Someone here would recognize the name Devil’s Mercy and realize that he hadn’t misspoken. Someone would understand what they were really looking for when they talked of rumors and legends, wagers and intrigue and options.”
This passage captures the chapter’s central tension - the coded hunt for secret society connections. It shows the protagonists’ strategic maneuvering among elites while hinting at deeper mysteries beneath the surface social interactions.
5. “And it’s anyone’s guess, Jameson thought, how that someone will respond.”
The closing line creates suspense about the consequences of their probing. This thought encapsulates the risky, unpredictable game they’re playing in high society circles, leaving readers anticipating the fallout.