Free Desire Me More by Tiffany Clare

redeveloped for our purpose, I’ll post for teachers if we can’t find them from around here,” Sera said.
    Now it all made sense. The Highgate lands were part of the deal with Lord Murray. His lordship was important because he owned a house close to the city but not so far away that children who attended the school there couldn’t easily return to their parents a few days a week. Nick’s determination to have that land was now clearer.
    â€œI’ll have my hands tied in so many tasks, I’m not sure how I’ll keep everything straight,” Sera said, looking at Amelia. “But I’m dying to dig in and get to work. Some assistance down the line would be most welcome. You’re always thinking three steps ahead, aren’t you, Nick?” Sera clapped her hands together and stood. “Now, will you be staying for the lessons? Because I need to get these children in line if we are going to get them back to their parents before supper.”
    â€œThat’s all I needed to tell you. We have to be on our way, as I have a busy night ahead.” Nick affectionately embraced his sister and kissed her forehead before returning to Amelia’s side. “Send a note or come by the house, should you need anything,” he said in parting.

C HAPTER F IVE
    O nce they were home and settled into the relative privacy of Nick’s study, Amelia turned to Nick and said, “I never imagined your intentions with Lord Murray’s land would be building a school. I thought you wanted to set up a manor house so you could escape the busy core of the city once in a while.” She looked at him sharply. “Does Lord Murray know what you plan?”
    Nick pulled her into his arms before she could make it any farther into the adjoining library. His actions were so fast that she collided into his chest, and it left her momentarily breathless. His hands were on her hips, holding her close.
    â€œHe won’t care what I do with the lands, as long as he has a fat pocket and one less financial burden to keep him up at night.”
    â€œHow can you be so sure?” She was doing her damnedest to ignore the feeling she got from his closeness. It was so tempting to lose herself in his arms, as she had in the carriage earlier. “Men in his position hate the thought of people talking poorly of them. Like it or not, that’s exactly what the residents of Highgate will do when they find out that a school for less-fortunate children will be set up in the manor house. While I think your goals noble and perfectly suited to land not being utilized to its potential, I also know the gentry to be prejudiced against anything that affects their perceived quality of life.”
    Nick backed her into the library, leading them toward the sofa.
    â€œI could not care less what they think, Amelia. What is right isn’t always what people want. And once I own the lands, there’s nothing they can do to stop me from accomplishing my goal.”
    â€œI don’t doubt that for one moment. What you are doing is nothing short of admirable. In fact, I agree wholeheartedly with your plan.” She traced her finger over his bearded jawline. “Thank you for today and for giving me something else on which to focus. Most of all, thank you for introducing me to your sister. It means a lot to me.”
    â€œYou asked to forget about your brother. And I hope you did, for at least a short while. Sera can be a friend, Amelia. Someone you can confide in, if needed. And she is a bit of a mad genius at running the school. Her dream to teach goes back as far as I can remember.”
    â€œI’m glad she could make that dream real.”
    â€œOur mother always told us to wish for the stars and be content if we only managed to skim the skyline.”
    â€œThat’s beautiful and rather poetic. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman.”
    â€œShe was a dreamer. And she allowed herself to be