Candy on the beach, there's nothing better
But I like candy when it's wrapped in a sweater
Some day soon I'll make you mine,
Then I'll have candy all the time

I want candy
I want candy
I want candy
I want candy

Bow Wow Wow - I want candy

Chapter 1: Anne with chocolate

Her mother came into her room that evening. It was an event. She almost never came herself. She usually fetched a servant. But this time she probably had something important to announce.

'Anne, I am not feeling well,' she said calmly.

Anne de Bourgh was sitting on her large bed, reading a newspaper and eating chocolate. Her feet were swinging in the air.

She half-rose from her position. Her expression remained blank.

'Not feeling well? Did you take too many walks again?' she asked nonchalantly.

'No, but my heart is not beating as it should. I fear a collapse.'

'You worry too much,' Anne said, returning to her paper.

'I don't worry at all. I am simply tormented. You, I believe, know why. And I can't say you are not to blame as well, Anne.'

'Mmm…' she replied.

'You should know my pain is as much your fault as anyone's.'

'Look, mother,' she said calmly popping another piece of chocolate in her mouth, 'I pushed myself in front of your nephew a thousand times. He liked Elizabeth. End of story.'

'You never really tried, Anne. Not at all. You never sought to wield that man's will.'

'Yes, true. It would have been too much work,' she said carelessly.

'You are a woman of some intelligence and sense. Surely you could have made him see what a wise choice you are.'

'If my money couldn't make him see that, do you think my lovely person could have?'

'Now he is off to be married to that vile girl and you are still here, sitting in your room like a parasite, reading those stupid things and eating too much.'

'Observe mama, that those two statements aren't connected. I eat and read whether he gets married or not,' she answered.

'That is exactly the kind of attitude that makes you insufferable, Anne. I am your mother. You must obey me. You must stop this behaviour.'

'You did not think much of it before Elizabeth Bennet arrived and shook your life,' Anne joked.

'I am serious Anne. I am not feeling well. You must oblige me.'

Anne did not reply. She turned a page.

'You shall go to Bath for a while, with your cousin, Isabel. You will stay at my brother's. That should change your view on things. And your surroundings.'

'What is wrong with my surroundings?

Her mother looked around her room bewildered. There were coats and dresses on chairs, stockings under the bed, boxes of candy everywhere, books scattered on all the tables, even in the wardrobe and a dozen hats covering the window sill.

'Look around, you foolish girl. Is this any way to live?'

'I find it perfectly adequate,' she replied.

'You will go to Bath.'

'I won't.'

'What is the meaning of this?'

'Mama, if you make me go to Bath, I might jump out of the carriage and break a limb. Then, no one will want me as a wife. Wouldn't that be tragic?' she said, turning another page.

'Anne!'

'I am sorry, I was taught to speak the truth…to my mother.'

'You are a very selfish girl! You do not care for your poor mother! Well, I will tie you to your seat, but you will go!'

Anne turned on her back and stared at the ceiling.

'You will find my displeasure great.'

'Well, I do not care about your displeasure, I care about your future. I expect you for supper in an hour,' Lady Catherine said and with that she turned around and left the room hastily.

Anne groaned and got up lazily. She was only wearing her petticoat. She chuckled. That is why her mother was trying to look everywhere but at her.

She put on a robe and went to the window.

'If I have to go to Bath, I am taking all my hats with me,' she said taking each one in her hand and putting them on.

Outside, the rain was dwindling. Anne de Bourgh sat at the window sill, thinking.