Penelope did like the occasional chat when she didn't have to pretend to be a vapid socialite, when she could just be herself. This meeting with Grandma Tracy had been scheduled for months and it was so typical that something would try to ruin it for her. But she had her tea and biscuits now, and Virgil which was always a plus.

"Who would want to live in the Dark Ages anyway?"

"The Luddites apparently."

"But why?" Virgil waved a biscuit around to emphasise his question.

Penelope considered. Or pretended to consider because the tea was interesting more at this particular moment.

"Maybe they want more control," Grandma said. "Technology is great, but it does everything for you. You're too young to remember the days before mobile phones and sat nav. Some people get scared if they can't do everything themselves."

"But most of them were…too young to remember that."

"Nice save."

"Thank you, my lady."

"I think you learnt a valuable lesson today Virgil."

He grinned. "Always think before I accidentally call my favourite relative old?"

"No. We learnt that old fashioned things are very reliable and shouldn't be knocked just because they're old."

"Hurrah for paper maps." Penelope raised her teacup.

"And the Underground." Virgil raised his biscuit.

"To the return of technology." Grandma raised her teacup and clinked it against Penelope's then against Virgil's biscuit.

"Grandma you look so disappointed in me."

"Did I teach you any manners young man?"

Sherbert jumped up and settled on his lap and turned a heartbreaking expression on Virgil, obviously chosen as the weakest link.

"Nope you are not getting my cookie."

"Biscuit. Honestly, you're all so hopelessly American. No offence Grandma."

"None taken. Are you okay, dear? You went up against the Hood today, that's not an easy thing."

"Oh, I'm fine, it's my job. It wasn't the Hood that bothered me, if I'm honest, it's that there are people who are willing to put so many lives in danger. The hospitals have backup generators, thank goodness, but if it had been any longer it may have been a tragedy."

"A world without technology would include medical technology. I never even thought of that." Sherbert whimpered.

"It really would be the Dark Ages. People dying of treatable infections, it would be a disaster. Much like your adventures of '51."

Penelope giggled and Virgil groaned.

"Please no."

Grandma grinned and began her tale.