8 Aug 1940

Dear Matthew,

My landlady celebrates Christmas in July, so I suppose by extension that I do; this year was slightly more simple than usual, but she uses it as an excuse to pull all of her friends together for a small party in the parlor. (I usually stick to the dining room first and then go upstairs, I'm not one for crowds.)

You've seen through my plot! I was goading you a little into reading more of the book, but also her family really, honestly gets worse. Once you meet Captain Wentworth, the book does start to pick up (and some of my favorite lines in the book come after he's introduced!) And I also promise not to spoil the Poirot books, it wouldn't be fair to you.

You've a sister? I assume she's younger? You seem like the older sibling. I… I have a sister, which I think I've mentioned before, she's six years younger than me. We were both born in Sydney, which is where I lived until I was twelve… I, um… [quite a bit of the following few sentences are thoroughly scratched through, as though Alice had started to say something several times, but decided not to finish any of them]

My… past is not something I like to speak of, would it be rude of me to ask you to wait? At least… until I know you better? I just… I've gotten hurt before and I enjoy our letters. I don't want that ruined just yet.

I'm glad the journal has proven useful to you.

Sincerely,

Alice