Read Online The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran - Free Book Online

my eye she appeared rigid, livid, puce. I was going to be severely punished for missing a party I knew nothing about. Goodness me, if she knew the truth of the matter, she’d never let Perry forget it.
    A week of no sleep due to my terrifying secrets, no dinner, the evening’s ridiculous antics being far from over, and the thought of spending the rest of my life as an Upperton all combined together to create a whirlwind in my stomach. I smoothly exited the tent, whipping off the scarf and draping it on a nearby bush before watering said bush with that day’s lunch.
    James arrived shortly afterwards. He carried a bag containing a knee-length black dress, plucked from among the jeans and T-shirts taking up ninety per cent of my meagre wardrobe. To give him credit, he also remembered to bring some matching shoes. I dove behind a bush, Marilyn whispering me instructions while she kept guard.
    â€œYou’ve fifteen minutes until it’s time to clear the first lot of plates, according to the head waiter. Get in there and start schmoozing. And here…” She grabbed my ponytail, yanking out the elastic before fluffing the locks about my face. “If you keep your hair forwards and keep smiling none of the staff will recognize you.”
    I took a deep breath. “Do I have to go in there?”
    My friend began pushing me over to the marquee.
    â€œYour shirt is in the bag behind the holly tree. You can slip it on over the dress when it’s time. Go, go, go!”
    Together we entered the tent. Breathless, I wove my way between the tables up to the empty seat of honour. Perry spotted me a fewsteps in, his face breaking out into relief as he rose to greet me with a kiss.
    â€œYou made it! What a mix-up!”
    â€œI am so, so sorry.” I turned slightly to address the rest of the table, including Larissa and Milton. “I had no idea – and my phone ran out of battery. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”
    Larissa humphed, and opened her mouth to say something, but her husband interjected. “Not at all. Perry should have warned you – at least checked if you would be available. Imagine if you had been away for the weekend, or out of the country?” He shook his head. “The whole thing could have been a complete fiasco.”
    Perry’s hand turned rigid in mine.
    â€œNo, really. Perry called me hours ago but I didn’t get his message. I don’t think anyone’s to blame. And I’m here now, so no harm done. Is this my seat? Oh, and you’ve saved me some salmon. Wonderful. It looks delicious.”
    I sat down and took an enthusiastic bite, trying to smile simultaneously. At the far end of the tent I spied two waiting staff beginning to clear some of the plates. I chewed harder, gratefully accepting the glass of water handed to me by the woman to my right.
    Perry slid into the spare seat on my other side, gesturing politely at the woman. “Faith, may I introduce Eleanor Upperton, my aunt and our generous hostess.”
    I choked, grabbing my napkin in time to prevent crumbs spraying out of my mouth, at the same time using it as an excuse to both duck my head and hide behind the linen. Eleanor had spoken to me twice already that evening.
    She stared at me, nose slightly wrinkled. “I think you need a moment to compose yourself, dear. You can introduce yourself properly later.”
    I nodded gratefully, and wiped my mouth, leaving the remaining salmon on the plate. “I’m so sorry, if you’d excuse me for a minute. I arrived here in rather a hurry and didn’t get a chance to tidy myself up.”
    â€œYou can say that again!” Larissa muttered, as I pushed back my chair. “And let’s be honest, it might take more than a minute.”
    I bolted back into the open air, straight over to the bush, where I donned my shirt, tucked it into my belt to give the appearance of wearing a skirt, and shoved my hair