Richard laughed for he understood what was going on. He had let his urges get the best of him again and he had to suffer for it.
He could have rejected Gina's advances at him and avoided Ansley's threats. He could have also controlled himself when he was with Esme that dusk in the shed, but he was too human to do that.
He found himself in another web of threats.
'Have I said something you find amusing?' Esme asked.
'Do not tell me you desire that I lay with you again.'
Richard wanted to lay with her too but not because she was Esme. He just wanted to lay with any woman. But Esme wanted to lay with him because he was Richard.
'I see that I do not need to speak too much to you for you understand it all.' Esme smiled.
'Do not say such things, Esme. Go to your husband, Archibald, and request that he lay with you. I do not have any interest in being with you anymore.' Richard whispered for people were walking by around them.