[Journal Entry of Matthew]
Alexandria, Egypt
7 April 1941
We've been moved down from Palestine to Egypt to help out some of the other Commonwealth forces; with Italy causing trouble, and now more German forces in Greece and Northern Africa, I guess it makes sense, but God, is it wearisome. We've gone from training duties to garrison duties, which is mind-numbing in and of itself, but at least we get some leave every now and then.
I don't know why I did it, I don't know why I bought it, but I couldn't help it. I know Alice said she didn't want a souvenir, but I couldn't help but think of her when I saw it. The lady selling the jewelry was very patient with my lack of language skills (I'd learned some of the basics "hello" "goodbye" "please" "thank you"), and she was happy to let me peruse the stall to find the perfect piece.
I hope Alice likes it. I hope it gets to her in one piece - some of the boys have complained about things getting lost in the mail. I hope this also isn't too forward for her - I know that men getting women jewelry usually is a romantic overture, but honestly… she should get pretty things. And at least… at least if I don't come back she'll have more to remember me by than just one photo and some letters.
It still doesn't feel real, this war.
Outside of Alexandria, Egypt
11 Apr 1941
Dear Alice,
I know, I know, you said you didn't want something, but I couldn't help myself. I hope you like it, I saw it and thought of you. I found it in a market outside of [REDACTED] and I think we'll be here for awhile should you want anything else.
It does still seem strange, doesn't it. Even over here, where the war is much, much closer, it's still… I don't know, strangely detached. I don't know how bad it'll get and… I likely can't tell you, unless you'd like whole sections of a letter blacked out. I'm sorry.
I'm also sorry that even with the war far away from you that it's affecting your day to day; I am glad you're staying safe, it helps when things get trying. I'm staying as safe as I can, I promise, and so is Lieutenant Collins if he's not saying as much in his letters back home. It's slightly odd to get to know him in this manner, but I suppose war does strange things to conventional work relationships. I do see all the pictures Mrs. Collins sends him of the children - as well as all the stories, Miss Fisher certainly gets up to a lot even in war time, doesn't she? I know she's a wonderful landlady, but does it ever get dangerous to live there?
Lizzie Bennet sure does make up her mind quite early about people, I've found. Then again, so does Mr. Darcy, I'm interested in how their dance will continue and who will have to eat their words in the future.
I find the cinema enjoyable! It's like watching a book unfold on screen and sharing it with the people around you. Depending on the picture, the theater can get crowded, and sometimes they burn the popcorn, but it still pulls me back every time. Would you like to try it?
Your Friend, who really hopes you like the gift,
Matthew
[Folded within the letter is a rectangular gold locket shaped like a book with diagonal stripes etched into the front along with flowers and scrolls in the corners. It wasn't very big, wasn't too flashy, and subtle enough for a pathology student with a love of reading]
