5 July 1942
My Dearest Matthew,
It makes me so happy you and Christopher love the photos - I wasn't sure if my skills would be up to snuff but knowing that the two of you love them gives a girl a nice warm feeling.
Your mum's already invited me to see her for the holidays, this might be the first year I have more than one place to be during Christmas - it's strange, but I like it. I also like considering a future with you, my dearest, so you need to survive in order for that to happen.
Mum introduced me to Superintendent Ashby, Dr. Blake, and the Clasby sisters besides Jean, and I think I like the Clasbys most out of those (well, obviously not including Jean); the superintendent seemed tough, but he did seem interested to hear how you were doing and thought my wish to be a pathologist a bit reaching but wouldn't say no to help. Dr. Blake was a bit more old-fashioned than the superintendent, seemed to hesitate when hearing of my intentions to be a pathologist (and potentially work here in Ballarat), but the Clasbys were very welcoming - I like Agnes very much, she reminds me of Miss Fisher and Nell is very sweet.
The town overall is nice, smaller than Melbourne, but I like it; still mulling over the idea of people knowing me, but I'm sure I'll blend into the background soon enough should I ever work and live here - apparently Mum said the house would be ours? I told you, she's making plans.
I've gotten to speak to Jean a few times on Mum's phone when she's over to help Mum clean house and I think I'm going to visit her at the Beazley farm before school starts for the new term; I think we're going to be good friends which makes my happy - I don't have many especially with Clara married and Edith has gone for the frontline medical hospitals (if you see her for whatever reason, let us know, we've not heard much from her yet, but she was headed up north).
I'd choose you too, and I'm very glad you'll never have to meet my family - my biological family, that is, you've met the family that matters; your friendship and our relationship is the best thing to happen to me in a long time and I'm glad you've come into my life, my dearest Matthew.
Jean's mentioned a few letters, not as much as ours, but Christopher only left recently, so I hope they continue between them; I suspect Jean and I will talk of our men when I visit next. You can make this up to me by just coming home… I miss you fiercely.
(Yes, your kisses too before you ask.)
Sounds like you boys aren't being kept busy enough if they're constantly up to mischief; maybe you should suggest to Hugh to give you all more training exercises to tire them out? I don't think I've ever been to a rainforest, what's it like? Do you think you'll leave Australia again?
Shame to the no new members gained, but I do like that it's just us - you get enough teasing as it is, our book discussions and discussions, in general, are for our eyes only. (And the censorship readers, of course.)
Classes are good, nice, and challenging this term just the way I like it; I've got three more terms left before I become Dr. Alice Harvey - maybe you'll be home in time for the graduation? It's strange to think that next year I'll be done, but I'm looking forward to putting my education and skills to use and find good, honest work; and yes, you can certainly be my arm candy, Staff Sergeant Lawson, so long as you wear your uniform - I think you look sharp in it.
Yours, Always,
Alice XX