Chapter 19 - A Gentleman's Grace and a Desperate Gamble
I jolted upright, horror flooding through me as I realized I'd fallen asleep in the car outside Sterling Heights Estate. How long had I been sitting here? What kind of impression would this make on Mrs. Sterling? My heart raced as I frantically checked my reflection in my compact mirror, smoothing my hair and wiping any trace of sleep from my eyes.
Just as I was reaching for the door handle, it swung open from outside. An older gentleman in an impeccable butler's uniform stood there, his expression kind but formal.
"Miss Ashworth? I'm Butler Winslow. Please, don't rush. Everything is perfectly fine."
I stepped out of the car, embarrassment burning my cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep. How unprofessional of me."