21 May 1943
My Dearest Husband,
(I did scrunch my nose up just a little at the term of endearment, but I'll allow it since it's you). I got some very mild teasing from Wardlow about our very quick nuptials, but they're all happy for us as well - Mum seemed to smooth any ruffled feathers (I find it hard to believe there were any, everyone knows what we've been through) prior to me and Edith getting back home. Phryne threw a very small celebration, but I know she's eagerly awaiting the day to plan the big one for when you come home (on leave or permanently… a girl can hope).
I'm glad the boys have gotten good news, they all deserve it and I hope they're doing well now that it seems the worst is over for you lot. Any news is better than no news, I suppose, but I do have a little more to share. Little Matty Cooper is beginning to crawl, so now we've got to keep a sharper eye on him when they visit. The Collins kids are doing well in school - same with Rose, and she's taken a bigger interest in photography these days; Vera brings her by when she can and we explore photography together. (In fact, I think there should be a photo to include with this letter, I can't remember if Rose took it or Edith - still waiting on the wedding photos, Edith says they'll be a little longer for her friend to develop as she's making copies for both of us to have).
Take care of yourself, dearest… in whatever way you are able to; I know you should still have your journal, and make good use of it whenever you need it. It's temporary, I hope at least it is, and you can come home soon. I've made good on my promise to put a bug in someone's ear about your lack of leave in almost two years; someone's bound to listen.
I love you, Matthew Lawson, and hopefully, this letter will help with the demons; yours have helped with mine time and time again.
Miss Adelaide "Spitfire" Lawson is certainly getting spoiled rotten after she decided to stop hiding the first few days she was in Wardlow. Don't worry, I completely understood why she did - I don't know if she's ever been this far from you since you rescued her, and we're all very strange to her here; she'd come out at night to explore, but scuttle back under my bed if I so much as shifted under the blankets. Addy and I have come to an understanding, and so I'm a bit more of a homebody these days while I get her used to being with just me, but she's come out of her shell to be more like the Spitfire cat I know and love.
Having Edith around the first few weeks we were back in Melbourne certainly helped, but there was a little backtracking in progress when Edith had to go back to the hospital… Addy misses you, dearest, something both of us certainly have in common. I know she'll come around more the longer she's here (and the more cuddles she receives) - she's certainly a comfort to have as the weather turns colder.
I'm glad you're able to keep yourself busy, and I know they greatly appreciate whatever help they can get - I think all of you are getting more and more worn out by the day with no end in sight for this war… I hope everyone can get a break soon, it's not healthy for you all to continue this way.
Don't you worry about what I think of nurses who know nothing about me, dearest. After all, you said it yourself that those who matter won't mind and those who do don't matter when it concerns our marriage; I'd say that would also apply to our choices in work. Thank the ones who wished me luck, though, please, it's much appreciated.
I certainly will pass on the message to Edith about her gossiping, maybe she'll send a periodic note to you so you can get your fill; once I'm working myself, maybe I'll keep an ear out as well, you old biddy. I think you've been reading too many Jane Austen novels. It's adorable.
I had a very busy month since the trip to Brisbane; Mac had loads of makeup work for me to do, so a lot of my free time went towards plowing through it all, but she's satisfied with my progress and the school hasn't complained. Now that catch-up is done, I should have a little rest before studying for finals becomes my focus (besides your letters, of course).
Mum and Vera send their love, absolutely thrilled that I'm officially part of the family now; Phryne and Jack and the Collinses send their love and well wishes as well. Lorraine and I have gotten a little closer since the two of us are wedded women to soldiers serving, and I do have an update about Drina.
Drina has gone a little too far while I was gone, and her parents have collected her from Wardlow to move back home with them… I can't say I'm too surprised, and wasn't too sad to see her go, honestly; Lorraine agrees with me in private, apparently, Drina thought of them as best friends and would try to cajole Lorraine into all sorts of shenanigans… the poor girl is very happy to be left in peace.
I don't know if we'll get a new boarder or if Phryne will leave it as a guest room; I think we'll enjoy the quiet for a little bit - at least until Phryne brings the chaos home with her as she is wont to do.
Your darling wife,
Alice
[Another lip print is next to her signature. Tucked into the envelope is a candid picture of Alice sitting on the floor next to the window seat in her room - chin tucked into her folded arms as she pets a forlorn Adelaide curled up on the sunlit cushion. On the back of the photo is written: "Both your girls miss you - A"]
AN: officially done with my masters! I've been recovering from a tiny bit of burnout (and family visiting) plus sinus issues (not covid, I checked) so updates will be a little slow still. - Dee
