23 January 1943

Dearest,

Don't apologize for having delays, my dear Matthew; I know that recovery isn't always so linear as everyone likes to think and that you'll have good and bad days. Edith isn't there to wait on you hand and foot, so it's perfectly fine that you've had to catch snippets of time when her rounds allow it. She has told me of your injuries, mostly because she knew I would pester her until she did say something to me.

I'm glad she's there with you, even if you say otherwise; Edith's looking out for you, dearest, she knows your limits and won't push you past that.

(Promise me you won't, Edith. It'll do no one any good if he has setbacks and you have to hear more of his whingeing.)

Of course, Addy brought a lizard into the ward, lizard hunting is her favorite sport; should I expect that when she comes to Wardlow? I don't think Dot or Miss Fisher would take kindly to that at all… but it would be fun to watch their reactions. Miss Spitfire is best where she is right now: looking out for you; and I don't want to take her from that yet. The closer you get to getting back on your feet, the more we'll discuss how to get her from you to me, dearest; there's no sense in worrying about logistics right now when you need to focus on getting better.

(And not terrorizing the nurses alongside Addy.)

My classes are going to thankfully be light in my last year prior to the exams, and yes I'll be done before the year is out. They haven't started yet as we're still on holiday, but I'm looking forward to them. It's… surreal, definitely. I've worked so hard to get to this point and soon I'll be a doctor like I've dreamed of for so long.

(I know it's a long shot, but a girl can dream that you'll be there when it happens, right? I miss you so much, Matthew, I could burst.)

Mac has graciously found me a spot at the morgue to be an assistant pathologist during my last year at university - I'll graduate to being a full pathology registrar once I'm done with school, which honestly takes a lot of stress off of my shoulders about securing a job in my field. You wouldn't mind staying in Melbourne for a few years? (Will it even matter? Will this war ever end and you get to come home?)

Wardlow is as entertaining as ever. We've recently gotten some new boarders - both young women much like Edith and Clara, eager to set out into the workforce (until they marry, we'll see how long that mindset lasts while living here). Clara comes by often with Baby Matthew, and the little man has decided I'm his favorite.

(Is it because I avoid him? Is it like cats where they approach the person ignoring them?)

He's very cute and very drooly, and it's reaffirming my desire to not have children. A godson, however, I can hand back once I've had my fill and occasionally babysit for; Clara sends her love to both you and Edith, and I've included a few photos for the two of you so you can "meet" Baby Matthew.

(I should note that Mum has made some things for him, but she's thankfully not made any sounds about little future Lawsons running around - which I'm grateful for, not sure if I could take it honestly. I love her, but…)

Since you're in hospital (and likely will be for a while), we can always try to tackle Emma. It's one of her more comedic novels, written later in her life, and never fails to cheer me up whenever I think of Emma's matchmaking antics. I've included a copy in this letter along with shortbread for you.

(Edith, there's some there in for you too, flavored with cinnamon as you prefer.)

I'm very glad you're at least back in Australia and I'll be taking advantage of our close proximity (and your lack of imminent bodily harm) as much as I can before they whisk you away again. I wish you were here with me too, my dearest, but we'll just have to make do with letters until we get to see each other again.

I love you,

Alice

[Alice's usual red lip print is next to her signature. Also included in the letter are two wrapped packets of shortbread (one marked for Matthew, one marked for Edith, a copy of Jane Austen's Emma, and several black and white photos depicting a smiling, chubby-cheeked baby, Matthew's family, and one of Alice holding Baby Matthew. The photos are dated and captioned on the back.]