The Blind Mistress & Her Mates

Lie With My Husband

Gracefeel made her way towards Laura, and her slender arms wrapped around her. Laura could feel her ribs press against her chest, and it felt worrisome.

"Grace," a worried smile formed on Laura's lips. "Have you been eating well?"

During their childhood days, Gracefeel was always the type to avoid eating properly when she had a lot on her mind. She hated her whole personality being outshone by her sickly nature as it was what everyone spoke about the most.

"Laura," her hand dropped. "There's no point in wasting food; I'm already a dead woman."

Both of Laura's hands sprung forward to search for Gracefeel's hands, and she held them firmly. "Don't say such nonsense. You're alive as far as I can tell," she smiled reassuringly, knowing that Gracefeel always encouraged her to smile.

Gracefeel's cold, frail fingers fell on Laura's cheek. If she could picture the expression her sister was making, it was likely a hopeless one. "I'm sorry, Laura. I never—"

"Don't," Laura cut her off before she could feel bad all over for Laura's loss of sight. "If I never lost my sight, I'd still be living in the stables," she smiled at her sister, wanting to look at the bright side, or should she say 'think' of the bright side.

Gracefeel paused for a second or two, knowing that Laura didn't like the topic of how she lost her vision because it always ended in tension and tears.

"Ughh," she groaned, and Laura felt her stutter when the maid behind Laura rushed to support her mistress. "Thank you, Desmonda. I'd like to sit down now."

Both their footsteps receded, and Laura moved her head around as if taking in the sight of the room.

"I'm sorry to trouble you once again, sister. But the doctor said I have but a few months left; hence, this is the last favor I'd require of you," a mild smile formed on Gracefeel's lips. "Take it as my dying wish if you may."

Laura furrowed her eyebrows, wondering what her sister's request might be. She didn't like hearing her speak about death; as a child, Laura wished she could give even a fraction of her health to her dear sister. But that wasn't possible.

"It's my husband," she started. "As a wife, I've failed my husband."

There was pain in her tone, and Laura felt her heart clench within her chest. And yet, Gracefeel's voice never once cracked. "What do you mean, sister? Lord Logan adores you!" Back in the Hanson house, all its residents never ceased to boast of how much Logan Rothschild adored his wife. Honestly, Laura had felt a bit jealous when he'd stolen her away. Gracefeel had wanted to take Laura along, but her parents said it would be insulting and a scar on the Duke's integrity.

Till today, their mother had never even said a word to Laura personally. She often sends messages through a maid or two, and that's how the rest of the servants end up getting a whiff of Laura's predicament.

"No no," Gracefeel shook her head, almost laughing at Laura's remark. "My husband adores me, and I love him as well. But he needs an heir, and I cannot fulfill that desire of his, so on what note can I still call myself his wife?"

"Is he that desperate for an heir, sister?" Laura always found herself speaking freely around her.

"He will not say it, but I can always see it in his eyes. I also hear whispers of his family wanting him to take another bride."

"He wouldn't dare—."

"He wouldn't," she replied shortly, shaking her head. "And that is why I fear for his future when I am gone." She paused to cough, only her eyes caught the sight of the blood on her palm. "He longs for an heir and I long to please him, that's why I have summoned you here, dear sister."

Laura could feel the intensity of her gaze.

"Laura, lie with my husband tonight. Drive him to the edge and carry his seed."

Laura couldn't tell the face she'd been making after those words, and at first, she almost burst out laughing, but the smile on her face faded into the silence between them as realization dawned upon her. "You want to—."

"It's not a matter of wanting, my dear sister," she got up from the bed to approach her sister once again, despite the protests from her handmaid Desmonda.

Laura's heart raced in her chest when both of her sister’s hands fell on her shoulder giving them a light squeeze.

"Laura, I am quite desperate, and I know merely asking this of you is an insult. But please," she slowly got down on her knees, gripping Laura's damp dress.

"Grace!" Laura didn't know when she raised her voice. "A duchess shouldn't kneel!" And she found herself dropping to her knees as well to save her sister the disgrace. She could hear the maid gasp behind her and plead for Gracefeel to stand.

"My dear Laura," her fingers reached up and pulled gently onto Laura's reddened cheek. "Why are you crying as well?"

She wasn't sure how to answer that, but every time Gracefeel cried, she couldn't control herself.

Grace smiled, using her fingers to wipe Laura's tears. "You promised me you won't cry anymore."

"I lied," Laura smiled back, folding the hand that rested against her face. She could hear the maid in the background sniffling as well.

They stayed like that for a while as they just sat quietly in each other's embrace; neither of them willing to break the hug until their tears dried and their bodies stopped shuddering slightly from sobbing.

Laura spoke first, wanting to clear her doubts. "But won't your husband be able to tell the difference between me and you?"

"He's been gone for a few weeks; there was something urgent he needed to attend to at the border." There was doubt on Laura's face as she continued speaking. "Desmonda will tidy you up and brush your hair. It will happen in the dark."

Laura fell silent, pondering on all the ways it could go wrong. If she was discovered midway to be an imposter, the duke had the right to behead her on the spot.

"Laura," her soft voice drew her back to reality. Her voice was also a pitch higher than her blind sister’s, making it feel like a set up for disaster!

"Are you scared?" her question took Laura aback, and she chuckled bitterly trying to hide the truth. "You needn't. Logan will assume I've added a little weight over the weeks; he'd be glad to lie with me. But Laura, you'll have to keep silent during the encounter as your voice is deeper than mine. Moan if you must, but avoid speaking. He will kill you if you're found to be an imposter."

Laura gulped. She was scared and still had her doubts, but she wanted to please her sister. Even if it meant putting her uneventful little life on the line. "Okay," she nodded with a determined expression on her face. "I'll do it."

She let go of Laura's shoulders and patted them soothingly. "Good girl."

"Now," Gracefeel sighed, gesturing for Desmonda to help her stand by tapping the floor. "This is my trusted attendant, Desmonda. She'll help you get ready. Quickly now, time's wasting," she clapped.

For the next hour and a half, Desmonda moved Laura between the bathroom and Gracefeel's bedroom. From a deep warm bath to Laura's back-length hair being brushed and soaked in all sorts of scented oils. Gracefeel's perfume was applied to Laura as she claimed that her husband had quite a sensitive nose. But what Laura failed to mention was her lack of experience and the fact that she was a virgin, as she didn't need that weighing on her sister's conscience.

Laura had long given up on a respectable wedding no matter how much she wished to be loved. No man of her dreams would never settle for a woman like her, so it was best he stayed in her dreams.

She was dressed in a silk night dress that rested on her thighs and bore a plunging neckline.

Gracefeel complimented Laura's curvy figure, but she still couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Soon enough, Laura was escorted by Desmonda and left in Logan's chambers.

The anxiety Laura had felt earlier was completely drowned out by the bed, and sleep gradually engulfed her.

***

It took sometime before the doors slowly creak open, startling Laura awake. She managed to keep her composure even while her heart raced. Her body froze momentarily when he raised his lamp up towards the bed.

He approached the bed slowly before leaning down to kiss Laura's forehead. "Grace, is that you?" he whispered, the warmth in his deep, hoarse voice sending a shiver up Laura's spine like it was her name he'd just called.

He pulled back and let his clothes fall to the ground, but instead of climbing onto her, he moved towards the bathroom.

Laura heard the sound of water falling to the floor, and he emerged shortly after.

It was probably because of her lack of sight, but Laura felt paranoid about what on earth he could be pacing around the room for. Had he uncovered her identity already?!

He finally reached the bed again, sitting beside where she lay before shaking her lightly. "Grace, wake up," he said once again, as if wanting to be welcomed by his wife. "I have something to tell you."

Laura remained frozen stiff, wondering what she could do to avoid speaking when he lifted her into his lap. She could tell he'd been surprised by her weight, so she did the only thing that came to mind.

"Mmh," Laura moaned mildly when her lips met his, and her fingers dug lightly into his hair. He seemed awestruck at first at her boldness but wrapped his arms around her waist to deepen the kiss.