27 Feb 1941
My Dear Matthew,
Thank you for the Valentine's Day wishes, the house was very… pink last week and I was half-glad it was over. (I like pink, just not that much).
You sell yourself too short, my friend. Knowing Superintendent Robinson and knowing Detective Inspector Collins you wouldn't have stayed very long around City South unless you were fully capable in your own rights as an investigator. It's just hard to solve a mystery when you don't have enough clues - namely, information from me. Yes, I live with the one and only Miss Fisher, Lady Detective; she's the best landlady anyone could ask for (though sometimes fraught with drama during her cases) and has helped me keep my feet underneath me throughout school. I suspect that if or when you visit at some point in the future, she and Jack will thoroughly interrogate you (after asking Hugh all about you, of course, they have to cover every avenue of interest).
I'm glad the sand isn't quite so bad, and that in a weird way it reminds you of home. You promise that you're quite alright? If I can help in any way, I will.
As for your suggestions of things for me to do, I will see what I can do, they're already starting to limit things back home, and while we might not have the same issues with shipping route attacks as the Brits do, blackout curfew is beginning to happen more often. I don't know what Rufus will do without the overnight shifts (nor how I will cope without my late night readings). I've no clue about cricket, but Mrs. Collins will (probably) be happy to explain footie to me.
As for the cinema, I've never been and I wouldn't know where to start, honestly.
Have you enjoyed the books so far? I'm trying to think of the next Austen book to pick for you (we might get through her entire repertoire if this war continues).
Your Friend,
Alice
