Aristocrat

When Jeff had first introduced Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward to his sons as their British Agent, they hadn't been sure how to react. The very title "Lady," complete with her own cockney butler, was enough to make Alan snort, which he disguised by pretending to blow his nose. Virgil would have smacked him upside the head if the "Lady" hadn't been present.

Her fashionable clothing, her polite, upper-class manners, long gold hair and delicate features made her a sight to see as she strolled through the gardens on Tracy Island, for all the world like a modern-day princess in Paradise.

Virgil couldn't see how someone so delicate, so obviously used to the better things in life, could possibly be of use to an institution that would be combating disasters of all kinds, dealing with people from all walks of life, witnessing the good of rescuing someone, the bad of the damage inflicted by fire, earthquakes, floods, and the ugly of knowing that you just can't save everyone. He just couldn't see it.

Jeff showed the Lady the training room, and asked his sons to give a demonstration. John had cut himself quite badly helping Brains with some panelling that had been damaged in the latest test run, so he was excused. Gordon showed off his prowess at shooting, talking through the training exercises. Alan demonstrated the gym equipment and the climbing wall, showing her Brains' innovative harness. Then it was Scott and Virgil's turn.

As the two strongest, they demonstrated hand-to-hand combat. Despite Scott's height advantage, Virgil had more experience than Scott, as well as being stronger and stockier; he quickly overpowered his older brother, much to Gordon and Alan's delight. Lady Penelope looked politely interested, and Virgil was sure this was all a pretence- she was probably thinking about the next dinner party she was going to throw.

So imagine Virgil's surprise when the Lady asked if Virgil would spar with her. The five boys stared at her open-mouthed. Jeff, however, merely smiled.

"I don't see why not."

The Lady quickly removed her high heels and jacket and moved to stand opposite Virgil on the mat, cream pants, pink blouse, manicured nails and perfect hair rather at odds with sweaty Virgil in shorts and T-shirt, his hair ruffled from where Scott had tried to force his younger brother down. Virgil resolved to go easy on her.

Minutes later, he was flat on his back, with the tiny aristocrat pinning him down with a force he hadn't believed her capable of. Her hair was still neat, the only sign of exertion being that one button had come undone on her blouse, allowing Virgil sight of a bit more than he would normally be allowed. Gordon, Alan and Scott were snickering over in the corner.

Lady Penelope stood gracefully, holding out a hand to haul Virgil to his feet. She smiled, re-buttoning her blouse and stepping back into her shoes. Jeff helped her into her jacket, his face twitching with the effort of not laughing at his middle son.

"I'm sure you were just a little tired after sparring with your brother," she said. Then she winked at him, just for him, and only for him to see.

That wink still haunts Virgil to this day.

Lady Penelope in the original show was so sedate and calm; one of the few things I did enjoy about the film was how badass she was (she and Parker were the best thing about the whole film, tbh). I love the idea of built-like-a-tank Virgil getting flattened by someone half his size. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the boys would have treated her with respect, but now it's just a mixture of respect and awe instead =P

Thank you to those who are following so far. It's encouraging :)