"Wrenfield Hall" by Wannabe Charlotte

Posted by Anonymous

Since Bella's mother has passed away when she was still very young, it has only been her and her father her whole life. When constable Charles Swan dies peacefully, yet unexpectedly, Bella is forced to leave her home and look for work elsewhere. She accepts the job as a maid in Wrenfield Hall, a vast estate owned by Lord Masen. Bella's daily tasks vary from cleaning the windows, helping in the kitchen to carrying coal to the many bedrooms of the mansion. One day, when she is told to clean the huge library, the young woman suddenly stops halfway-through when she notices a book she never had the chance to finish reading. She skims through the novel and is caught by Lord Masen, who entered without her noticing. But instead of firing her for behaving improperly, the Lord allows her to pick any book from the library she wants as long as the other staff doesn't notice. And from that moment on everything changes...

After the death of Edward’s parents, he and his brother James are raised by their aunt and uncle, Esme and Carlisle Cullen. Once he is off age, Edward takes over managing Wrenfield Hall, the country estate of the Masen family. The first time he lays eyes on the new maid, Bella, he feels an inexplicable pull towards her. When he sees her perusing the shelves of the library, Edward realizes that he finally found the companion he was looking for so long: someone to talk to about books, a person, who would share his love for foreign countries and who was interested in art of any kind. He asks her to spend time with him whenever she feels like it but also tells her to keep their agreement a secret. From that day one, the two visit each other's room at night and talk and laugh for hours. Soon, both become aware of their intense feelings for the other but their class difference and the fact that Edward is practically engaged to one Tanya Winters ruin their dreams for a future together. Or maybe not...

Wrenfield Hall is the author's first and, sadly, only story. Sadly because the fanfiction is exceptionally well written: the daily routines of a maid working in a huge mansion in mid 19th century England are portrayed in a very realistic manner, as are Edward and Bella's different social status in society. The characters' conversations match the time (you will hardly find any foul language) and even though one wouldn't necessarily expect it, the plot is really interesting. Edward is somewhat caught in a love triangle that forces him to decide between the love of his life and keeping the estate as well as his reputation. The reader understand his precarious situation and one inevitably tries to come up with solutions. Lastly, it might be important for some of you to know that the story is written from a third-person perspective. This way the reader gets the chance to hear the thoughts and ideas of pretty much every important character at least once throughout the story. So, even if you normally don't read historic fanfictions, this one might change your opinion.

Wrenfield Hall consists of 28 chapters and a total of 93,839 words. The story is rated T and thus suitable for readers older than 13.

COMPLETE

For fans of: A Hope Renewed