The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 45: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnJameson finds himself in a modest office with Zella and Branford, facing the enigmatic Proprietor of the Mercy. A large, metal-covered book on the desk immediately captures their attention, its significance clear from the others’ reactions. The Proprietor dismisses Avery and Rohan, leaving the trio to discuss their purpose. Jameson notes the Proprietor’s unremarkable appearance, contrasting with his formidable reputation, and senses the gravity of the moment as the man asserts they know why they’ve been summoned.
The tension escalates as the Proprietor reveals Zella’s assured place in the Game, handing her envelopes—one for Avery—before she departs. He then turns to Branford and Jameson, stating their participation isn’t guaranteed. Branford negotiates terms, while the Proprietor hints at the need for compromising stakes, emphasizing the value of “skin in the game.” Jameson remains focused, undeterred by Branford’s dismissive remark about his resemblance to his brother, as the Proprietor probes his potential and connection to the Hawthorne legacy.
The Proprietor tests Jameson’s perceptiveness, questioning how he deduced his terminal condition. Jameson reveals his observations: the Proprietor’s resemblance to his ailing grandfather, the calculated testing of Rohan in the ring, and a subtle tremor when Avery took his arm. His honesty and sharp intuition impress the Proprietor, who acknowledges his fighting spirit and strategic mind. The exchange underscores Jameson’s ability to read people and situations, a skill honed by his grandfather’s training.
The chapter culminates in a psychological duel, with the Proprietor admiring Jameson’s boldness while subtly reminding him of his outsider status. Jameson’s refusal to be intimidated and his willingness to engage in the Game’s high-stakes dynamics highlight his determination. The Proprietor’s cryptic remarks and the unresolved question of Jameson’s participation leave the chapter on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for further intrigue and competition in the Mercy’s shadowy world.
FAQs
1. What significant observation does Jameson make about the Proprietor’s health, and what clues lead him to this conclusion?
Answer:
Jameson deduces that the Proprietor is dying based on several subtle observations. First, he notices a resemblance to his grandfather’s behavior before his death, particularly in how the Proprietor tests people like Rohan in the ring—similar to his grandfather’s final preparations. Second, he detects a slight tremor in the Proprietor’s arm when Avery took it the previous night, though Avery didn’t mention it. These details suggest the Proprietor is concealing his declining health, much like Jameson’s grandfather did. The Proprietor’s reaction confirms Jameson’s insight, highlighting his perceptiveness (pages 212-213).2. How does the dynamic between the Proprietor and the three characters (Jameson, Zella, and Branford) reveal their respective positions of power?
Answer:
The Proprietor holds ultimate authority, treating each character differently to underscore their status. Zella, as a duchess, is assured a place in the Game and is entrusted with delivering Avery’s invitation, showing her established role. Branford, though a viscount, must negotiate his entry, revealing his power is conditional. Jameson, despite his Hawthorne name, is an outsider but earns the Proprietor’s respect through his boldness and insight. The Proprietor’s use of Branford’s first name (“Simon”) and his comments about Jameson’s potential at the Mercy further emphasize the shifting power dynamics (pages 210-212).3. Analyze the significance of the metal-covered book on the desk. Why might its presence be pivotal to the story?
Answer:
The metal-covered book is implicitly the most important of the three books mentioned, given how Zella and Branford react to it. Its shining cover and prominent placement suggest it holds valuable or forbidden knowledge, possibly related to the Game’s secrets or the Proprietor’s legacy. Jameson’s lack of recognition (“Am I supposed to?”) hints that it’s reserved for insiders, making it a symbol of exclusivity. The Proprietor’s focus on it implies it could be a reward or a test for participants, foreshadowing future conflicts or revelations (pages 209-210, 212).4. How does Jameson’s response to the Proprietor’s questioning demonstrate his strategic thinking and upbringing?
Answer:
Jameson balances honesty with restraint, revealing just enough to show his insight without overplaying his hand. When asked why he thinks the Proprietor is dying, he cites specific observations (his grandfather’s behavior, the tremor) but avoids speculation about the “third bird” in the Proprietor’s test. His humor (“I’m also fairly skilled at motocross”) deflects tension while asserting confidence. The Proprietor praises his Hawthorne-trained composure, noting his face “gives away very little.” This reflects Jameson’s ability to navigate high-stakes situations tactically (pages 212-213).5. What does the Proprietor’s comment about Jameson’s potential future at the Mercy reveal about the broader themes of power and identity in the chapter?
Answer:
The Proprietor’s remark—”If I’d encountered you when you were younger, if your last name wasn’t Hawthorne…you could have had an interesting future at the Mercy”—highlights themes of destiny and choice. It suggests Jameson’s privileged name both protects and limits him, as he’s too independent to be controlled by the Mercy. The comment also underscores the Proprietor’s role as a gatekeeper of power, grooming outsiders like Rohan but recognizing Jameson’s untamed potential. This tension between identity and opportunity permeates the chapter (page 212).
Quotes
1. “Glass ceilings and all that,” she told Jameson.
This elegant understatement from Duchess Zella reveals her groundbreaking achievement as the only person to break into the Mercy, showcasing both her capability and the subtle gender dynamics at play in this world.
2. “These things are always more interesting when at least a few players have ‘skin in the game,’ as the Americans like to say.”
The Proprietor’s chilling remark highlights the high-stakes nature of the Game, where participants must wager something deeply personal, establishing the dangerous psychological framework of the competition.
3. “You remind me of my grandfather. Before.”
Jameson’s quiet observation reveals his emotional intelligence and perceptiveness, while also drawing a powerful parallel between the Proprietor and his own family history, suggesting themes of mortality and legacy.
4. “I don’t know,” Jameson replied honestly. “I just know that there is one, just like I know that you have a presumptive heir.”
This exchange demonstrates Jameson’s strategic thinking and intuition, showcasing his ability to read situations and people even without complete information - a crucial skill in this dangerous game.
5. “She didn’t have to,” Jameson said. At the time, he hadn’t even noticed, but he’d long ago trained himself to be able to…
This incomplete but revealing thought shows Jameson’s trained observational skills and his deep connection with Avery, suggesting their unspoken understanding and his subconscious attention to detail.