Bennet Kelmarsh, who owns Greythorn Court, also has a past he wishes to hide. When he arrives at the inn and sees Rebecca with the tearful child, he quickly learns of the circumstances from the landlord. Bennet, who cares deeply for his neighbors and has a tender spot in his heart for children, introduces himself and offers to aid Rebecca in locating the child’s family.

Their search eventually reveals that Maudie has no one else to care for her. Although Bennet realizes that the little girl is deeply attached to Rebecca, the older woman seems unreliable and selfish. When Rebecca refuses his offer to find the child's family himself, they agree that Rebecca will remain at the inn until the girl’s future is decided.

Rebecca and Maudie visit Bennet at Graythorn Court to discuss Maudie, and slowly, Rebecca becomes acquainted with his neighbors. She quickly learns that Bennet is well-respected by his neighbors and quite charitable towards the poor, yet Bennet remains an enigma to Rebecca. Over time, Maudie endears herself in both Rebecca’s and Bennet’s hearts, and the two realize they are falling in love. Yet their desperate pasts stand between them and lead them to deny their true feelings...until Maudie disappears.

The Disadvantaged Gentleman is a sensitive, endearing story of loss and redemption. Leslie Ann McLeod has written a wonderful plot, filled with characters that will touch your heart and linger long after the last page. This is one of the best romances I have read this year. The Disadvantaged Gentleman is a real keeper, and one you'll want to read over and over again to experience the true meaning of unselfish love.