an update! no new computer yet, so still will be sparse until probably the end of the month, but I was on my computer for a different reason and thought y'all would like an update of something. IB is the only one I'm ahead on, so IB is is! Much appreciated for your patience as I upgrade the computer, more updates to come once that's done! - Dee
31 May 1941
My Dear Matthew,
I hope I didn't make you feel as if I didn't want any more gifts, or that it was embarrassing for me to receive any… I'm just not used to it, that's all. Clara and Edith questioned me for as much as they could, but soon gave up when no "saucy" details could be drawn from our very innocent friendship and letters. I… growing up, I never received many gifts, not even for my birthday or Christmas, it wasn't until I came to university that I really started to learn real friendship and exchanging gifts (though outside of Miss Fisher's household, I rarely have anyone). I guess I didn't want to get my hopes up about being friends with you, but I need you to know that I cherish the gift and our friendship so very much.
I guess I need to think of more gifts to look for to send your way. Besides the books, I mean. Care to give me any ideas?
Mrs. Collins has been teaching me how to take photographs, and I actually really enjoy it; I'm hoping I can save up for a camera by the end of the year, and that way you and the boys can get photos of home every now and then. Rufus is still doing alright, even with the cutbacks on shifts overnight and as chocolate is in shortage again he very rarely makes his famous chocolate cake. (I think he's saving it for a special occasion, but he refuses to tell me WHAT occasion it's for).
Pride & Prejudice is dense for Jane Austen's books, so I know what you mean (I've been rereading it to refresh my memory of it all, it's been some years since I'd read it last); I think, since it's one of her first novels, she might have been… finding her style? I also think the societal rules and hierarchy in this one are more complex than her other novels. It's a good, classic story of hers, but it's not my favorite. Yes, I think Mr. Darcy was smitten with her the moment she sniped back at him in the town hall. It may be awhile before she returns his feelings, however, but I hope you enjoy the journey!
You are slowly turning me around to the idea of going to the cinema… but I'm still not sure. Maybe with you, I'd be comfortable with it, but I just… I don't know, still.
I asked Miss Fisher and Superintendent Robinson why the United States is delaying entry when it seems like the entire world has gotten into the fray; they didn't have many answers outside of the isolationism of the nation as a whole had also delayed them getting into the Great War decades ago. Superintendent seemed particularly miffed at their privilege of deciding which global matters to get involved with, for which Miss Fisher simply squeezed his hand.
(The scars of the war still linger for both of them, I think… you will be careful, won't you?)
Mrs. Collins appreciates the thank yous and gratitude for the biscuits, and says she'll send more biscuits in general as we experiment with different recipes in the kitchen. (And I really do mean "we", she's pulled me and the twittering girls into help out around the house more. The cleaning, working on the cars or repairs to the house, I don't mind, but the cooking and mending leave something to be desired).
Stay safe, my dear friend.
Your friend,
Alice
