The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 76: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnJameson and Avery continue their quest to uncover the secrets of the Hawthorne family, focusing on finding the remaining treasure boxes hidden within the manor. Despite the emotional turmoil and physical pain Jameson endures, he remains determined, fueled by Avery’s unwavering support. Their bond deepens as they share a tender moment, reinforcing their partnership. Ignoring Ian’s distractions, they channel their energy into solving the final clues, confident in their ability to win the game.
Inside the manor, Jameson and Avery search for hidden compartments behind mirrors, eventually discovering a secret room on the fourth floor. The room, dimly lit by candles, contains portraits of Ian and his family, including one of Jameson himself. This revelation stirs conflicting emotions in Jameson, who grapples with his connection to a family he never knew. The discovery of his portrait hints at a deliberate inclusion in the game, raising questions about who orchestrated it.
Behind Jameson’s portrait, they find a jeweled chest matching one of the keys. The chest’s emerald and gold design suggests it holds his personal secret. Jameson deduces that the portrait was recently commissioned, likely by Rohan, adding another layer of intrigue. As adrenaline surges through him, he and Avery quickly locate a second chest behind Branford’s portrait, which contains a scroll revealing Branford’s acknowledgment of a son. This discovery shocks Jameson, who knows little about his uncle’s life.
The chapter culminates with Jameson and Avery on the brink of uncovering the game’s final secrets. The scroll’s revelation about Branford’s son hints at deeper family mysteries yet to be unraveled. Jameson’s instincts and determination drive him forward, even as the emotional weight of his newfound connections weighs heavily. The chapter leaves readers anticipating the next twist in the Hawthorne saga, as Jameson and Avery prepare to face whatever lies ahead together.
FAQs
1. How does Jameson’s emotional state contrast with his outward focus on the game?
Answer:
While Jameson outwardly focuses on finding the keys and winning the game, his internal state is tumultuous. The chapter describes a “storm of emotions churning inside him,” which he actively ignores in favor of pursuing the game’s objectives. This contrast is highlighted when Avery calls him out—he claims he’s “fine,” though both know it’s a lie. His physical pain (from injuries) mirrors his emotional distress, yet he channels this into determination, using the game as a distraction. The kiss with Avery serves as both a comfort and a way to “quiet the storm,” showing how he balances vulnerability with his competitive drive.2. What symbolic significance does the hidden room with portraits hold for Jameson?
Answer:
The hidden room, accessed via a mirror (echoing the clue “Watch yourself”), symbolizes Jameson’s confrontation with his identity and lineage. The portraits of Ian, his mother, and himself force him to grapple with his familial ties and sense of belonging. The discovery of his own portrait—recently commissioned—suggests he is being acknowledged as part of the family legacy, yet he remains an outsider. The compartment behind his portrait holding “his secret” underscores the theme of hidden truths and self-discovery. The room’s darkness and candlelit chandelier (like a pendulum) may also hint at the precarious balance between his past and present.3. Analyze the role of Avery in this chapter. How does she support Jameson’s character development?
Answer:
Avery acts as Jameson’s emotional anchor and motivator. When he lies about being “fine,” she reframes his identity with fierce encouragement: “You’re Jameson Winchester Hawthorne. And we’re going to win this game.” Her presence shifts his focus from internal turmoil to shared purpose (“Jameson and Avery against the world”). Physically, she aids in solving puzzles (triggering the portrait’s release), but her greater impact is emotional—their kiss is described as hurting “in the best possible way,” illustrating how she helps him channel pain into resolve. Avery embodies partnership, balancing Jameson’s impulsiveness with steady support.4. What clues suggest Rohan’s involvement in the game’s setup, and why is this significant?
Answer:
Jameson deduces Rohan commissioned his portrait, as the style differs from older family portraits and his uncles seemed unaware of his existence. This implies Rohan orchestrated elements of the game specifically for Jameson, raising questions about how he predicted Jameson’s participation. The significance lies in the broader manipulation at play: Rohan may be using the game to force Jameson to confront his heritage. The recent timing of the portrait’s creation also hints at a larger, ongoing scheme, positioning Jameson as a pawn in a deeper familial or power struggle.5. How does the chapter use physical objects (keys, portraits, chests) to advance the theme of secrets?
Answer:
The keys and chests literalize the idea of unlocking hidden truths. Each chest’s design (emerald green for Jameson, pearl-inlaid for Branford) correlates with the keys found earlier, creating a tangible link between discovery and revelation. The portraits—especially Jameson’s—serve as metaphors for concealed identity; their frames hide compartments, just as appearances mask family secrets. The scroll in Branford’s chest (“I have a son”) further emphasizes generational secrets. These objects structure the narrative around uncovering layers of truth, mirroring Jameson’s journey to understand his place in the family.
Quotes
1. “Jameson came to a stop and turned to face her, so he could quiet the storm inside in the only way he knew how. He pushed Avery’s wild, wind-blown hair back from her face. She tilted her head back, and he brought his lips down on hers—not hard this time but soft and slow.”
This intimate moment reveals Jameson’s emotional vulnerability and his reliance on Avery as his anchor amidst chaos. The tenderness contrasts with his usual competitive intensity, showing depth in their relationship.
2. “‘Watch yourself,’ he murmured, his lips just barely pulling back from hers. This was what it meant to focus. To play.”
A pivotal phrase that serves both as romantic tension and a literal clue in their game. It encapsulates Jameson’s mindset—where love and strategy intertwine as driving forces.
3. “‘You’re better than fine,’ Avery told him fiercely. ‘You’re Jameson Winchester Hawthorne. And we’re going to win this game.’”
Avery’s declaration underscores Jameson’s identity crisis and her role in reinforcing his confidence. The quote highlights themes of legacy, partnership, and determination central to the chapter.
4. “Jameson didn’t see a treasure box, let alone three. There’s nothing in this room except for the chandelier and the portraits.”
This realization marks a turning point where the physical hunt becomes an emotional reckoning with family history. The sparse setting mirrors Jameson’s internal void regarding his lineage.
5. “‘I have a son.’”
The stark revelation in Branford’s scroll shatters Jameson’s assumptions about his uncle—and by extension, his own place in the family. This three-word bombshell recontextualizes the entire treasure hunt as a familial revelation.