IN THE Dark and Brooding Gentleman, acclaimed Regency-era author Margaret McPhee tells the story of reformed rake Sebastian Hunter as well as the far-too-pretty Phoebe Allardyce, his estranged mother’s paid companion. Sparks fly until he catches Phoebe trying to steal a invaluable heirloom in the manor. What Sebastian doesn’t understand is usually that her father’s been kidnapped and Phoebe offers stolen the heirloom for a ransom — and may simply steal his center as well.