11 November 1941

My Dearest Matthew,

I've got to stop opening these letters at breakfast because you either make me blush or make me cry.

The present was ['was' is scratched out] is wonderful! Mr. B is going to frame it for me so I can hang it up in my room. I love it, Matthew, you've such an eye for detail and Miss Addy is a gorgeous subject for your drawing. My rakishly handsome, gallant soldier is quite the artist and I can't wait to see the drawing when I wake up every day.

(I think you've been reading too much Jane Austen if you want to be called rakish. Still enjoying P&P?)

Since you remain skeptical of the possibility of leave in the coming year, I suppose I will have to be the optimist of the two of us this time. You'll come home soon, and I look forward to seeing you again.

Clara's busy with work and wedding preparations; she and Mrs. Collins spend every free moment pouring over the details, but she's decided on a very nice blue for both me and Edith to wear.

(I was so relieved, blue looks much better on me than some of the other colors she was considering.)

Speaking of Edith, she's gotten into a nursing program that will start in the new year; she's taken to sitting with me while I study and helps me learn by having me teach her about that particular lecture or unit of study. And I've caved to her pestering, about dating. We're going out on a double date later this week; Edith is excited and I suppose my date does sound interesting - she tells me I can leave after trying for half an hour if I'm not sure. Hopefully, he's not a letch.

In any case, I will keep you fully informed of the various shenanigans we get up to back home - at least it'll give you and the boys something to look forward to until you can come home on leave.

Your dear friend,

Alice