Huggins Road Block Area, 21st Brigade HQ, Sanananda, New Guinea
15 November 1943
Sweetheart,
Good news, the rumors of leave are looking more credible! Bad news, it's not until closer to the new year; I know you had your heart set on me coming home in time for graduation (remind me what day that is again?), but it doesn't look like we'll arrive in time. I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but maybe we'll be home in time for the holidays?
Your birthday surprise took a very, very big favor to Hugh, and no I will not elaborate on that favor in writing… just be happy it happened at all, sweetheart.
(Sending all my love to you, Mum, and Jean; I hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration with them.)
You absolute minx of a woman; I go through all the trouble to get you that birthday surprise, and you have to wallop me in return with the absolute torture of thinking about what you plan on bringing on our honeymoon? (Is it anything like the pictures you sent me? I'm restating that we don't need to actually go anywhere on the honeymoon, just somewhere we can be alone for days at a time, but I know you've got things planned, so I'll just sit here tortured until I can get my hands on you once again.)
I think Jean can live with a little ear-blistering "talking-to" versus bodily harm of her husband, sweetheart.
Your scenario about the grave seems very specific, another one of Miss Fisher's adventures? I've no idea why someone would dig up a grave, for one that's a lot of work especially if it isn't a fresh grave, two, it's definitely illegal, and three, it's disrespectful. The dead deserve to rest, especially if they've died naturally without needing your involvement or mine.
I take it I'm the "good Nurse Lawson" in this instance; would that be a promotion or demotion from your rakishly handsome soldier? (Rose might be too big to fit on the kitchen table, but she'll probably still appreciate a warm tending to any of her hurts, physical or not.)
See, I did tell you the best thing about being an auntie or uncle was being able to give them back to their parents; you'll weather through the storm of teething, sweetheart, now that it's started, it'll go fairly quick. Of course, once teethings are done, then there's the talking, and then there's them losing the baby teeth… one thing at a time, though, hm?
My theory on kissing bruises to make them feel better (and any boo-boos in general) are very firmly rooted in scientific research, Dr. Harvey: my mum, who kissed them every time on both me and Vera.
Ask her, she'll tell you.
You've most certainly been my faithful cheerleader, Alice; you have kept me going through the worst of everything these past few years, and I look forward to weathering the storm of life with you once the war is over. We've got so many of life's mysteries to solve together too.
Jack Robinson taught you how to pick locks? Who taught him! He's always been the pinnacle of propriety while I worked at City South and St. Kilda… it was Phryne, wasn't it? (And I think you've fully created a menace in teaching this to Rose, sweetheart; yes, she's got a good head on her shoulders, but like Lucien, she has her own strong moral compass that she follows… I can feel the headache happening already.)
I've no doubt you've thought of everything regarding repairs on the house, sweetheart. I'm just glad Mum's not kicking up too much of a fuss (you're using some of my army funds to help with this, aren't you? You have access to those, you know, since you're my wife.) Thank you for taking care of Mum when I can't do it myself.
Old Man Blake is old-fashioned, but once you prove yourself to him, he'll come around; though, I'm sure you'll rightfully turn his opinions on his ear, sweetheart. You don't suffer fools lightly, and he'd be the fool to not take you seriously in the morgue.
I'm working on getting home, Alice, I promise. When that happens is still out of my hands, but by God come hell or high water, I'll make my way home to you. I'll be there to help you with any future foster kids we may pick up.
I see you like to tease a man when he's already down and surrendered! At least you're getting amusement out of it all, I do love that about you.
Jean (and Christopher by extension) are stubborn and prideful people; they're farm folk, and they've been brought up to help others, but accepting help is a little harder for them to do, sweetheart. I know she appreciates it all, especially with the boys underfoot and Christopher still gone. Jean knows you'll support her, so keep that in mind going forward.
Ballarat can certainly be a pit of vipers, and surprisingly full of the strangest things. When people come together, it's always going to be full of gossip and secrets, it's not the most fun thing, but keeps you and me busy in our line of work. I'm certainly looking forward to working with you and discussing cases over the dishes after dinner.
The boys are fine, a bit bored, but with the rumor about leave coming soon they've certainly perked up in the past few days or so. Tell Rufus I appreciate the thought, and his breakfast menu still haunts my dream. (We'll have to stop by at least once while I'm home, those eggs and sausage are calling my name.)
No news might be good news for a bit regarding the war. When I know more about the leave, I'll let you know, sweetheart.
Yours, Impatiently,
Matthew
AN: Thank you for being patient with me with this story! I ALSO would love to finish this, but life is throwing in some curveballs. I am moving at the end of the month and will be starting a new job mid-November SO I might have a little time in between the move and the job starting to work on things but I'm not holding myself to a firm deadline. I'll still try to get this story done before the end of 2023, but uuuuh we'll see! I thought I'd post this chapter here for a little reprieve while I finish packing my apartment while working full-time and setting up things for the new place. - Dee