Huggins Road Block Area, 21st Brigade HQ, Sanananda, New Guinea
14 June 1943
Sweetheart,
I'm glad everyone's happy for us; it seems your catching of the bouquet at Clara's wedding was only slightly off (Lorraine and Ed did get married before we did, so you weren't exactly the next to get married out of the bunch). Tell Phryne that both Hugh and I are actually looking forward to a party of hers, that's how bored we've become. No news on whether or not we're coming back any time soon, but I'm keeping an ear out all the same.
Little Matty Cooper crawling! Absolutely wonderful news, I hope he's keeping his parents on their toes whenever he can. Thank you for helping Rose with her photography, according to Vera this is the longest she's kept an interest, and I think we have you to thank for that. I wonder if she'll go the artistic route with it or follow in her dad's footsteps into journalism (it's where Vera swears Rose gets her inquisitive - nosy - nature, but growing up with Vera makes that hard to believe).
The boys are definitely interested in the wedding photos, so hopefully they come soon!
I'm using my journal, I promise. With the worst of the fighting over, it feels a bit more like our time in Palestine, but I'll take somewhat boring garrison duties over last year. I count my blessings every day that I lived through it - I know when the universe is giving me a sign to not take things for granted, and you can bet that I'm not going to after all this.
I love you too, Alice Harvey Lawson, your letters always help shine a light in the darkness, I hope you know that. You are my light, my beacon, the compass pointing me home… I hope I can follow it sooner rather than later.
Give all the kisses and affection to Addy for me, sweetheart, I do miss her (well, not the heat of her in the jungle, but you know what I mean). I'm glad my two girls have each other, and I did enjoy the photo - it went straight into the pocket with my good luck charm (your very first photo you gave to me, it's seen me through everything). I hope she's settled more by the time you get this letter, and I hope she brings you comfort when I can't do it myself.
The second I know if we're coming home soon, I'll tell you, I promise. You'll hear it from me, and likely from Hugh as well.
I did remember to thank the nice nurses, and they appreciated it; a few asked to keep them appraised of your progress - I wonder if a few of them will end up crossing paths with you in the future.
It will be a lot of fun in the future when we're working together; I think we should keep a running tab of how long it takes people to figure out we're married (to each other, I should clarify, they'll know we're married to someone just by the rings, but not who).
Edith certainly did satisfy my need to gossip about people that I know, thank you, sweetheart. I see I have fallen from "rakishly handsome soldier" to an "old biddy"... not sure how I like the demotion, but I suppose it's correct. What can I say, sometimes the gossip can be entertaining, and Edith made sure it never got hurtful. Entertainment is entertainment, and I won't pass up on it.
You'll do brilliantly on your exams, sweetheart like you always do. And to think, only one more term after this! The end is in sight for your dream of becoming a doctor! I'm so damn proud of you and I look forward to seeing you thrive afterward.
Thank you for the love from everyone, I send it all back tenfold.
And I am a little sorry about Drina, but actions do have consequences… it seems she found out hers (and the limit of her parents' patience with her antics). I hope the reality check does her some good, and I hope you have as much peace and quiet as possible. I know that can be a little difficult with Phryne, but her antics you're used to at least.
All my love, your dearest husband,
Matthew
PS. Yes, I'm going to milk the term of endearment (at least for myself) for a little while longer, sweetheart.
