Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland

5 February 1943

Sweetheart,

Had an unexpected surprise today; all of your letters from the last few months of last year were delivered to me, and I'm… I'm so sorry for what you had to go through. Of all the times for the higher-ups to take a page out of someone else's book…

I love you, Alice, and I promise I'll do my best to never let this happen again.

Edith's been great and I'm pretty sure she's hatched a deal with Addy about making sure I get enough rest, but not too much; I might have two drill sergeants on my hands.

(Addy's the bigger drill sergeant than I am, she's got a pair of lungs on her that's for sure. - E)

I would definitely prepare for lizard hunting, sweetheart, and vermin - she's recently discovered voles and mice, so maybe that would be more desired than lizards in Wardlow? I'm sure Edith and I can figure out how to get Addy down to Melbourne once my recovery looks more complete.

I beg your pardon, I do not terrorize nurses.

(Lies, he's so damn grumpy some days that most of his care is in my hands. Don't worry, I only jab him a little harder with the needles that day and it usually gets the point across that he's being an arse. - E)

I'm glad classes will be light for you on top of everything else! I'll try my hardest to be there at the end of this year, sweetheart, but know that I'm there with you in spirit even if I can't be there physically. I miss you, so much, but your letters and the photos are helping me get through the worst of this hospital stay (and one more day closer to getting home to you.)

I still look forward to calling you Doctor Harvey, and thankfully that day is closer than ever before.

Of course I don't mind staying in Melbourne for a few years, sweetheart, it'll give us time to really fix up the house in Ballarat (it needs it, I know), and I'd like to go back to City South for a bit before seeing if Ashby has any openings back home; we'll just have to find a place to live (I think Wardlow might be too crowded at the moment, or it will be by the time the war's over).

Please do tell us about the new boarders, Edith is insisting on me asking (Damn right I am - E) and it'll give us something to talk about in between our letters. Who are they? What do they do? How have they dealt with Miss Fisher's activities so far?

The little man has decided you're his favorite? You must attract Matthews then, and it's another thing we have in common. No, sweetheart, babies are not like cats, he's simply curious and maybe you fascinate him.

(Handing children back when you've had your fill is honestly the best thing about being a godparent or aunt and uncle.)

He's a cute one, Edith and I send Clara and Baby Matthew our love as well, and Addy was very put out over us discussing the photos instead of paying attention to her.

Mum is very insightful, sweetheart, I think she knows that you're not ready (maybe never be ready) for that kind of talk with her; Rose is enough for her, and has been thankfully, so I don't think we have to worry about her making any noises in the immediate future.

I've been enjoying Emma so far! She sort of reminds me of Jean, honestly, I wonder if you also see the same. Thank you for the biscuits (Yes, thank you! - E)

Your letters make the recovery go by quicker (but hopefully not too quickly, I want to enjoy being closer to you for as long as I can).

I miss you so much, sweetheart, and I love you.

Yours, Always,

Matthew