9 May 1942
My Dearest Matthew,
I never said I didn't want your kisses, just that they and you are distracting right now - I'm sure with more practice we can work something out so I don't completely stop thinking every time you kiss me, makes it hard to retain information.
You're such a kind and thoughtful man (boyfriend, I can say boyfriend now!), if you had backed me into a corner, my dear, I would have shot you down right then and there. You weren't pushy, you were just lonely and wanted conversation rather than trying to get under my dress. You have nothing to apologize for, and if you ever do you'll certainly hear from me, but that day in the diner wasn't one.
And if the dead were ever unruly, I'd send them back upstairs, as they're clearly not dead enough and therefore not in need of my service.
We'll keep the home fires burning for you boys, you just stay as safe as you can.
Saucy details can wait, I think, after all, we've only just started dating and the war has kind of thrown traditional courtship out of the window. Edith's training continues, she'll probably be out in the field hospitals before the middle of the year. She's a machine, I swear, top of the class and has taken to nursing like a fish to water; she'll be a great asset to the medical field during the war (and after if she decides to continue with it.)
Sounds like Hugh is feeling the same way as Dot. Beth being attached isn't too bad, it just means I have to look behind me before I walk anywhere - she only comes up to my waist still - and I have to watch my mouth if something's particularly frustrating, but she's alright. She's full of questions like Rose, and any time your sister comes around with your niece, the two of them get along well; Rose's exuberance brings Beth out of her shell. War does disrupt everything, and it forces us into new routines, but the children are faring as well as one can during wartime. The Collinses do like Rose coming over, and all four of them have been… entertaining to teach photography to, so if there are some interesting photos of Melbourne that's why.
Nothing too embarrassing, my dear Matthew, just the shenanigans you got up to with your friend Lucien during your childhood, and your first forays into the world of dating (I think your technique has vastly improved since then, though I won't tell Vera that). You've always been the protective type, haven't you? She made a passing mention to some trouble with a McAvoy, and I read between the lines - between what you've said of bullies, and Vera's sidestepping the issue, I think I understand it all a little better now. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, after all, I've still yet to tell you of my childhood in Sydney, but I'm here if you want to, Matthew.
Vera's easy to get along with, she shares that in common with you, but she's certainly the more outgoing of the two of you (and reminds me of my younger sister, Peg was always the social butterfly, must be a younger sibling sort of trait). I look forward to meeting your Mum, is that weird? I know most people sometimes dread meeting their significant other's parents, but from what you and Vera have told me, she sounds like a wonderful lady.
(I'll definitely get that updated photo for you, dear.)
Yours,
Alice
[Included with the letter are a few photos - black and white (somewhat blurry or skewed) views of Melbourne, Wardlow, and Jack's garden, followed by more steady, clear photos of the Collins children and Rose Anderson. All photos have short descriptions and dates as well as signatures from all the children.]