Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland
3 April 1943
[the handwriting is shaky, but that old familiar script of one Matthew Lawson]
Sweetheart,
I think it's the paint of hospitals, honestly; the white just makes everything worse - I know it's easier to clean (supposedly) but everything just blends together and feels cold and empty.
Thank you for going to both Gibson's and Warner's families, sweetheart; they've reached out to me and I've tried my best to tell them how wonderful both men were to have in my unit - I don't know if I've done them both justice, but I hope their families can take comfort in it in some way.
And thank you for visiting Moran, he's been a good mate on the battlefield; how bad is it, really? Is he putting up a front with you, or not?
(I think you'll be a whizz at chess, you've got the smarts for it.)
We're still both sending letters to him, so he'll get plenty of news from multiple sources while in hospital.
This round of veterans… will probably be worse, and I know you don't want to be right about it, but it's something to certainly think about; I think of my friend Lucien, the one supposedly in captivity (I forget if Mum ever asked Old Man Blake about it to confirm), and I wonder how bad it'll all be for those men in particular once the war is finished (though, I get what older folks were saying about the war never ending for some… it certainly likes to linger and outwear its welcome).
I'm imagining Addy in a pink collar and I honestly think she'd like it - not sure how well she'll take to the bell, but I suppose you all at Wardlow will need the warning whenever she's sneaking around causing trouble; she'll definitely appreciate the bed, she's gotten spoiled here at the hospital with a (somewhat) comfortable one instead of a damp hammock in the jungle.
I have no idea when I'll next get leave, it could be before I go back to the boys or in another year (God, I hope not). I also don't think they tend to keep our welfare in mind when deciding where to send us, sweetheart - maybe someone reminding them of that would be a good idea. And yeah, Edith very fondly reamed me out about faking needing to be in the hospital just so I could go to your graduation - something about "abuse of privilege" or another. I'm glad she no longer helps with these letters so you'll enjoy my complaining without her commentary added in.
Having a quiet place to live would be wonderful, sweetheart, but I do know you'll miss Wardlow and your family there; it's not the same, striking out on your own, but talk with Mum about it, I'm sure you'll figure it out. I'm happy whenever so long as you're there.
I remember those roses! Absolutely beautiful in Clara's wedding bouquet - we should definitely ask for a cutting if possible for the Ballarat garden. As for my plans for the garden, they aren't a lot - Jack's roses (should he part with some), bottlebrushes for you, peonies if we can find them, and maybe a little vegetable patch of our own. I'm trying to decide if we'd want a place outside to sit or if we'll just have picnics on a blanket whenever we feel like it, what do you think?
No pressure felt, sweetheart, I daydream of us too; if you've not got your heart set on a big celebration, then we don't have to, and I personally think you'd look beautiful in anything you choose to wear if we decide to get married. Lorraine and Ed sound very close, has he gotten a chance to come home at all as I have?
Christopher Jr. is stubborn like his mum, that's for sure; once she (and by default, he) gets an idea into her head it is tough to talk her out of it. Jean likes to know how the world works and likes things to fit into boxes that she knows, so it's like pulling teeth sometimes to get her to alter what she's already sorted. Christopher Jr. sounds the same way - he thinks he has to do things a certain way, but I'm glad you're helping him realize different, sweetheart.
Our household will definitely be an interesting place to visit, but we'll make it work for us and anyone who doesn't like it, doesn't have to come over.
How are Drina's antics going?
Edith found out about the romance novels when she saw me reading one casually and I don't think I've ever seen her go that red in the face that fast before; we've been chatting about them occasionally when others are out of earshot and they've been fascinating (if overblown in realism) to read so far!
I could track down Pop for you, just so you could have your words with him (it'd be a sight to see, that's for sure), but I think we both would like the past to be just that: the past. We've got Mum and those at Wardlow, that's all we really need, sweetheart.
(and I think you'd be a delightful mum if given the chance)
I've been getting much better, so I think there's talk of getting me out of here; Edith's been keeping tabs on it for me, and as much as I loathe going farther away from you and going back to the war, I'm grateful that I'm well enough to leave on my own instead of being discharged. Edith and I have also been talking about how to get Miss Spitfire down to you in Melbourne, I think she's going to enclose a note to you with this letter all about it.
Thank you, sweetheart, for taking her on, I don't think I could live with myself if I took her back to the front - as wonderful as it is to have her with me, I don't want any harm to come her way, especially after what happened last year.
Yours, Always,
Matthew.
[enclosed in the envelope is a smaller piece of paper in Edith's handwriting]
Alice—
I've news for you and you alone; Matthew's shipment date is 23 April, he'll be discharged the day before which means he'll have a full day before going back to join his unit. I've got an idea that I think you'll be willing to go along with, but you can't say anything to Matthew in your next letter - I want to surprise the grumpy man you're in love with and give you two some much-needed time together.
If you come up on the 21st, I'll help you get a hotel and you'll come with me early on the 22nd to surprise Matthew - you two will have only a day, but I figured a day is better than nothing at all and you can personally bring Miss Addy back down to Melbourne once Matthew's left. Expect my call in a few days, and we'll get to planning this.
Remember, not a word to Matthew!
—Edith
