Book: BENEATH THE DEVIL’S MASK
Character: Lady Anne Fairhaven
How would you describe your family?
I was the youngest of three daughters born to a country gentleman and a fashionable London beauty. Although we were not wealthy, when my father died, he left a respectable widow’s jointure for my mother and modest dowries for his three girls. Still, my mother was ambitious, hoping to make brilliant marriages for her daughters – well, at least for my two older sisters. Lily was the family beauty, Corrine noted for her charm and wit. As for me, Mama deemed me pretty enough, but far too quiet and shy. My greatest attraction for any man would be my appearance of virtue, goodness and obedience. And those were the traits I learned to cultivate in myself.
What was your greatest talent?
I learned the usual things respectable young ladies are taught, a little music, a little French, a little dancing. I am accomplished at needlework, and I am an avid reader, although this latter activity was not encouraged by my mother.
What was your marriage like?
My first husband, Sir Gerald Fairhaven was a respectable baronet. Ours was not a love match, but I believe we grew to be fond of each other. My sisters deemed him a dull, pompous man, but Sir Gerald provided me with a comfortable home and security which was all that I wished for in those days. Alas, Sir Gerald’s unexpected death left me a young widow and soon my safe comfortable world was shattered.
Do you have a new significant other?
Yes, one that I never expected. The Marquis of Mandell has the reputation of being a notorious rake, haughty, arrogant and ruthless, described by many as the very devil. Why Mandell should have ever taken any interest in me is a great mystery. Perhaps my reputation as the ‘virtuous Anne’ presents a challenge to him. I find his relentless pursuit of me alarming. Or at least I should. But his kiss has aroused a passionate side of my nature I thought I had learned to suppress.
Where do you live?
I am currently residing with my sister Lily in London. I have always preferred the country to the city and London is a dangerous place at the moment. A notorious murderer known as the Hook is terrorizing the populace. He seems to choose his victims at random and nowhere in the city is safe, not even the respectable and wealthy district of Mayfair.
Do you have any enemies?
Sir Lucien Fairhaven, my brother-in-law. When Lucien was young, he was infatuated with me. He wanted me to elope with him even after I was engaged to Gerald. When I refused, Lucien became angry, bitter and spiteful. Unfortunately, Gerald’s will left me entirely at the mercy of this vindicative man. Not only does Lucien have control of my widow’s inheritance, he was granted sole guardianship of my daughter.
What is your greatest source of joy?
My daughter, Eleanor or as I call her, Norrie. Although, she is only seven, I am constantly surprised by how clever and wise she is for one of her years. She is my sole delight, my reason for living. I never dreamed that even Lucien could be so cruel as to steal Norrie away from me.
What keeps you awake at night?
Worrying about my daughter. Lucien was wild as a young man and now he is completely debauched, drinking too much, gaming too much. Despite Norrie’s strength of spirit, she has always suffered from poor health. How is my fragile little girl faring at the hands of such a cruel, bad-tempered man? For the past two months, Lucien had refused to let me see her. I must get Norrie away from him, but the law is on his side. I dream of finding Norrie and spiriting her far away, somewhere Lucien can never find us.
How will you accomplish this?
I pawned my jewels and purchased a pistol, my head spinning with reckless schemes to steal Norrie away from Lucien. But as I begin to despair of ever succeeding, I receive help from a most unlikely champion. Mandell offers to force Lucien to return Norrie to me in exchange for one night in his bed. Do I dare to trust him? There have been moments when his cynical mask slips and I catch glimpses of a man who can be caring, even kind although Mandell would vehemently deny this is so. But even if his heart is as black as he claims, I have no choice. I will do anything to have Norrie safely back in my arms, even bargain with the devil himself.
BENEATH THE DEVIL’S MASK by Susan Carroll
A murderous scoundrel called the Hook terrorizes Regency London But Lady Anne Fairhaven is forced to brave the night as she searches for her stolen child.
A murderous scoundrel called the Hook terrorizes London, obliging residents to keep close to home after dark. But Lady Anne Fairhaven is forced to brave the night as she searches for her stolen child. To recover her daughter, Anne must strike a bargain with the devil himself, the wicked and seductive Lord Mandell, a man battling demons of his own. Set during the Regency era, this novel is by the award winning author of The Bride Finder.
Romance Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: August 26, 2025, e-Book, / ]
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About Susan Carroll
Susan Carroll is an award-winning American writer of romance novels, she also writes novels as Susan Coppula and Serena Richards. She obtained a Degree in English with complementary studies in History in the University of Indiana. Susan Carroll lives in Rock Island, Illinois.
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