Mersa Matruh, Egypt
14 May 1941
Dear Alice,
You know me, always wanting to set those girls a twitter with each and every letter. I'm glad you like the gift, and I'm also sorry it arrived in such an exciting fashion; I'll try not to send future gifts in that way.
I'm afraid that I'm not as far into Pride & Prejudice as much as I want to be; between my duties and training, I usually only have enough time to eat or rest. That, and this one seems… denser than Persuasion, if that makes sense; it's a lot to slog through, and I'm getting into chapter ten, but the dynamic between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy is fascinating to read (if a little hard to follow at times). He's smitten with her already, isn't he?
If you'd like to, and if I get a chance to come home, maybe we could check out the cinema - might be easier to try it with a friend? Only if you like the idea, there's plenty more things to do in Melbourne than just the pictures.
The news of Russia and Japan has reached us here too, but for now it's the Italian and German forces that are keeping us on our toes. We'll just have to wait and see what the world continues to do. The lads here are a bit miffed that the United States has still not joined in, as Australia is probably further from the fronts than them, but they are a separate entity whereas we're still part of the Commonwealth and agreed to help out the Brits whenever.
Thank you for the ANZAC wishes. We had some bit of fun over here for it, but it's not the same when you're actually in a war. Please thank Mrs. Collins for the ANZAC biscuits if Lieutenant Collins hasn't already done so.
I do take comfort in the pride back home, especially in yours, my dear Alice.
Your Friend,
Matthew
[All along the margins and in the space below his name in the letter, Matthew has doodled many things: the way old, weathered bricks fit together on a building, a flower reaching for the sun, and sketchy figures playing footie away from some tents]
