28 November 1942

Dearest Matthew,

I thought I'd send another letter… I haven't heard from you since my last one, but I know you said getting things in and out of where you are has been difficult lately, so I'm hoping this is a temporary setback in our letters like the times you were at sea.

Clara loved her nursery surprise - we painted it a woodland animal theme (more England than Australia, the animals are cuddlier) with lots of cream and green; the pink or blue can come later once Baby Cooper is born, but she loved the fully prepped and set up nursery so she and Eric can focus on getting the rest of the house ready. Dot's donated other furniture like a bassinet and bedclothes and baby clothes - the fashion hasn't changed much from what I've been told, and Miss Fisher splurged on a rather nice pram for the couple. All in all, they're set to go on most of the baby things.

I'm still learning all I can from Dot, Vera, and Jean about childbirth and child-rearing (I don't know if I'll be on babysitting duty in the future, Clara comes by here quite a bit, so I imagine Baby Cooper will come with her.) It's good to be prepared…

I think I'm prattling on, though I know you're alright with that… I guess I'm just anxious after what we've both admitted in our previous letters… I'm worried that you've changed your mind.

Have you? I'd rather know upfront if you did… not that I think you have, I don't know… I just… write to me when you can, dearest.

I love you.

Yours,

Alice


12 December 1942

Dearest,

I… I'm worried, Matthew. I've not gotten a letter from you in some time - it's been over a month since your last one and I know they sometimes hold letters, but this is getting ridiculous.

If they're not holding the letters… then you've chosen not to respond? Was it something I said? Did I come on too strong or offend you in some way?

[The next bit "Have you gotten bored of me? I wouldn't blame you if you did." is scratched out thoroughly.]

Matthew, please… I need to know you're alright; Dot's trying to see what Hugh knows, but we know you've been separated the past month or so… My dearest, I love you and I'm scared that something's happened…

Even if it's just one line, I need to know that you're alright… that you're… alive.

Please,

Alice