26 Apr 1941
My Dear Matthew,
I don't mind the gift, you silly man, but you shouldn't have gone to the trouble, honestly. Your locket caused quite a stir at the breakfast table this morning when it nearly fell into Clara's eggs from the letter, but I truly love it, Matthew; it's beautiful. I'm not one for a lot of jewelry, but you… you picked perfectly. I shall wear it with pride and you'll have to tell me where you found it when you get back - the location was blacked out in your last letter. (Best be more careful, Dear Matthew.)
Miss Fisher does keep busy - she's not one to sit on her hands at any given moment - but no, it's not too dangerous to live in her home now that she has an actual office for her private investigating; she says it makes her look more official, but honestly she started having the office once Mrs. Collins started having children in an effort to make her home more safe.
About the cinema… I do admit the idea of it intrigues me, but I'm not so sure about being in the dark with so many strange people and no way to leave… I shall have to think on it more.
There's some disconcerting news about Russia and Japan, they've apparently signed a neutrality act, and both Superintendent Robinson and Miss Fisher are worried about further involvement from Japan spreading farther than the mainland. I hope nothing too serious comes of it, but who knows with this war. Anything is possible.
Also, happy belated ANZAC day, the celebrations this year were more muted than last; I think it's finally hitting people that we're really in this for the foreseeable future, but there's still a strong amount of pride among the people. You and the lads are being thought of back home, I suppose… you can take comfort in that if you need to, and I… I take pride in knowing that you're out in the world taking care of the current bullies stirring up trouble.
I'm very glad you're enjoying Pride & Prejudice, what part have you reached?
Your Friend, who loves the gift you sent,
Alice
