Far be it from me to criticise my brother.

My heart lifted today when Charlie chose to speak in my presence.

He and Lucy went to the vet together today. The vet removed Charlie's stitches, but suggested that he keep the collar until mid-week next week. Lucy had a trim of flight feathers, beak and toe-nails.

When someone looked in to see them together after all was done, Charlie took up his position beside Lucy, ruffed his feathers and growled for all his worth. He hasn't done that before, and the vet was surprised.

But he hasn't been there with Lucy, either. He looks after her.