A/N: This is my next chapter fic after 'Missing Puzzle Piece'. I've always wanted to write a period piece and what better way than with a love story? It's of course Troyella but don't disregard Zeke/Sharpay's either. It is set in around 1891. I was inspired for this fic by Zac Efron's movie 'The Derby Stallion'. So this doenst exactly follow that plot but I got this idea from that movie. I hope you'll enjoy it and give me your feedback. Sarah x
Jack Bolton, to any other man, would seem as though he had very little to be thankful for. He had lost his wife to childbirth, worked a low wage job cleaning stables and had little to no connections or wealth. Yet for Jack his life held one single joy he'd never trade for any gold – his son, Troy.
Troy had lost his mother and was raised by his caring and doting father as best he could. His father taught him everything he knows; how to read, how to count, how to ride horses and most importantly how to care for them. It was a necessary skill in his line of work.
Jack had been working on the Montez estate five years prior to Troy's birth and he knew the family well, Mr Carlos Montez in particular. They were fair and reasonable employers and Jack was entirely grateful to them for letting him keep his job and raise his son on the estate. Jack was their stable hand and tenant for ten years and was now the groundskeeper of the many acres the estate entailed; he therefore had held the position for thirteen years.
Troy Alexander Bolton was now eighteen years old and was now a hard working stable hand and tenant and earning a wage on the Montez estate. Jack couldn't have been more proud of the man Troy had become and the boy he had once been. Troy could ride a horse as easily and naturally as any professional and connect with them like a whisperer. His father had indeed passed on that talent from the gene pool.
One humid morning that early summer, Troy laid out fresh hay bales inside the spacious stables. He usually performed this task before the jockeys and Mr. Montez's riders arrived. His father had always told him that the employers never saw them and the workers never interacted with the employers. It was understandable of course, Troy couldn't hold a cent to his name yet the Montez's were one of the richest families in Albuquerque. Their estate was by far the largest in the province, and their family was what society would refer to as the 'noveau riche'- new money. Mr. Montez's father was a gold mining Puerto Rican immigrant who struck gold in New Mexico.
Troy had never complained of his lifestyle though, he was perfectly content. He had the most loyal, kind and loving father he could ever have hoped for, a steady job and wage, amazing friends who also worked on the estate and he got to care for and ride beautiful horses all day long
"Hey Bolton. The Montez's daughter wants to ride her new mare today. You know...the crazy nag" Troy's superior- a horse trainer, informed him and he rolled his eyes.
"She's not crazy Jim...just weary."
Belle was a beautiful black mare who had been shipped into the stables a week ago. Mr Montez, his father had told him, had bought the horse for his daughter's seventeenth birthday. Troy had personally never met the daughter, only seen her at a glance when he was very young, whoever she was she was damn lucky to own such an animal- Amazing and lively. Belle, when she'd first arrived had been extremely frightened and jumpy of all around her that only Troy's father and he had been able to calm her. Troy's was rather proud of the fact he had inherited his father's well renowned 'horse whispering' skills.
"Well the daughter will be down at eleven so make sure the horse is tacked up." Jim continued, handing Troy a new bridle and lead and left the stables.
Troy walked past many of the other horses Mr. Montez owned and he smiled as he came across an older, cream coloured stallion.
"Hey there Tobey ol' boy." He greeted the horse who whinnied in response, leaning into Troy's hand as he patted him. Tobey was basically his father's own horse which Mr. Montez had given him for personal use. He used to be a derby stallion until he retired and now Troy and his father took extra care of him. Tobey neighed as if to ask where Jack Bolton was that morning.
"I'm afraid he won't be back for two weeks Tobes..." Troy smiled sadly, stroking Tobey's nuzzle, "I know, I miss him too."
Finally leaving the stallion behind, Troy continued down the stables until he reached the stall where Belle stood, her luscious black coat shining in the sunlight.
"Morning girl..." He slowly latched open the stall and Belle backed up, beginning to panic. "Shhh...it's ok...I won't hurt you..." He cautiously hung her bridle over the door and held his hands up for her to see. Then, slowly but surely, he stepped towards her and the mare calmed down as he gently stoked her neck.
"That'a girl" He grinned and began by filling up her water trough and relaying fresh hay. After giving her a quick brush, Troy decided he'd just give a try of putting on her saddle. First he put on her undercover and she barely flinched but as soon as she saw the leather saddle in his arms she neighed in fright, backing up on her hind legs and almost kicking Troy in the face. For his own safety he backed out of the stall and closed the door.
"She's spirited huh?"
Troy jumped in fright as a sweet voice rung out from beside him and he dropped the saddle in the process.
"Oh, I hope I didn't startle you." The voice apologetically began and Troy, not looking up, picked up the saddle and chuckled.
"Nah, it's alright."
That was all he was able to speak coherently because as soon as he looked up at the owner of the voice he was faced with the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. Her brunette curls hung down her shoulders, her brown eyes seemed to sparkle in the sunlight, she had curled eyelashes with a sweet dispositioned face and the most amazing smile he'd ever seen grace a person.
"Are...are you alright?" She curiously frowned and Troy snapped out of his trance, realising he was staring.
"Oh...uh...pardon me, I'm forgetting my manners." He blushed, laid down the saddle and brushed his dirty hands on his pants holding one out to her.
"I'm Troy Bolton."
"Gabriella Montez." Troy froze, his hand stopped shaking her own soft one and he cleared his throat.
"It's nice to meet you." She politely continued and Troy merely nodded, embarrassed and turned away to tend to the saddle.
"Uh...Bolton, was it? So your father is the one accompanying my father on his trip?"
Troy nodded again, realising how rude he was being but this whole situation was going against everything his father ever taught him. He was never to talk to or be seen by his employers, they were of a higher class and he was a mere stable hand. Troy could tell she was confused by his reluctance.
"Are you not one for conversation Mr. Bolton?" She was all propriety in her mannerisms.
He turned, clearing his throat.
"I wouldn't think it proper Miss Montez."
"Not proper to partake in society's favoured activity?"
"Not between myself and a lady Miss." He politely smiled and brushed hay off of Belle's saddle. Gabriella was quite persistent though.
Then let us just forget our sense of propriety and status and be merely two being partaking in a mutual discussion."
Troy turned to face the beautiful young lady again and she looked back at him, desperately hoping he'd agree. He sighed, knowing himself he'd much like to talk to her.
"I cannot argue with that." He smiled and his heart back-flipped as she flashed her amazing smile again.
"I know I am not supposed to ride Belle until eleven but I couldn't wait to see her, I haven't since I first came home from school." She gazed at the graceful mare and Troy was pleased by her enthusiasm towards horses.
"She's a beautiful horse...you're very lucky."
Gabriella's smile faltered slightly, "My father is too generous, I'm not sure I deserve such a creature."
"I'm sure you do and I hope I am not speaking out of place Miss Montez—"
"Gabriella...please call me Gabriella." She interrupted, flushing slightly and Troy smiled, continuing.
"...Gabriella. If you would like I could have Belle saddled up so you can ride her."
"I'd appreciate it, thank you Mr. Bolton."
Troy chuckled, "Mr Bolton is my father...you can call me Troy"
Her grin made his heart all strange again and he cautiously opened Belle's stall.
"Ok girl...let us see if you'll co-operate this time." He slowly put down the saddle and decided to slip the bridle on her first. Belle backed up a little, scared, but Troy was able to calm her so the bridle sat firmly.
"That 'a girl...now, we'll try the saddle again..."
Troy hoped Belle would co-operate this time around, he didn't want Gabriella to thin he couldn't do his job competently. He slowly stroked Belle's mane, trying to calm her and he gently placed the undercover and saddle on her back.
"Wow...that was amazing..." He heard Gabriella gasp in astonishment and he felt himself swell with pride.
"Did you want to tighten the girth?" He asked her, motioning to the saddle's buckle. She excitedly nodded and cautiously entered the stall. Belle seemed to recognise Gabriella as her owner and Troy watched in amazement as the mare nuzzled Gabriella's hand as she patted her.
"She's beautiful..."
Then Troy led her to the saddle and he took a sharp breath when Gabriella brushed up against his arm to reach for the girth.
"So how tight should I make this?" She asked, fiddling with the straps.
"Uhh...five...h...holes should do it..." He stuttered, feeling all tingly again as her back leant up against his front—
"Gabriella Anne! What in heaven's name are you doing in here?"
"Mother!"
Troy turned to the shrieking voice with Gabriella in front of him, dropping the straps and facing the stern older woman. She too had dark hair like Gabriella with the same face yet her eyes weren't as kind as her daughter's. She was dressed in a pale blue sundress with a large straw bonnet whereas Gabriella was dressed in tan riding pants, boots and a lilac blouse; her mother was obviously displeased with her casual attire.
"Care to explain?"
"Well..uh...I came down to see Belle."
"Your lesson is not until eleven o'clock."
"Tro..uh...Mr. Bolton here was helping me get her ready." Gabriella anxiously motioned to Troy who smiled at the woman. She seemed to frown in disgust.
"Mr Bolton was, was he?"
"Troy Bolton ma'am. Pleased to meet you."
Troy was trying to be as polite as he could but he could tell from the displeased look on Mrs Montez's face she thought of him as dirt beneath her feet. He was a mere stable boy, he'd been up since dawn tending to horses and cleaning their stalls. He wore his work pants with boots and a fraying cotton shirt, good luck trying to find his worn suspenders in his cabin and he had dirty hands and most probably straw in his hair. He was a nobody and he was talking to her daughter...Troy Bolton wasn't even supposed to be seen by her.
"Charmed...I'm sure." She disdainfully replied and Troy looked to the ground in embarrassment. Gabriella however, turned to face him, smiling at him apologetically, he managed to grin back.
"Come Gabriella, back to the house."
"Mother...surely I can have my lesson now."
"No lesson at all for you young lady...I'll move your Latin lesson forward."
"But mama—"
"You're forgetting yourself Gabriella. Now step out of that filthy stall at once."
Troy watched as Gabriella sighed in disappointment and again faced him. His heart ached when he saw how upset she looked and he knew he already disliked her mother.
"Nice meeting you Mr Bolton."
He smiled warmly, hoping she'd cheer up. "You too Miss Montez."
And with that he watched as her mother dragged her away from him and outside. He sighed, hoping it wasn't the last time he'd ever see that beautiful girl again.
----
Gabriella sighed in frustration, squinting as the morning light hit her face as her mother dragged her out of the stables; she was grasping her wrist, rather tight actually.
"Do you enjoy vexing me Gabriella?"
"No mama I—"
"You're cavorting with the dirty stable hands, tacking your own horse...just look at how you are dressed." Her mother led her over to a nearby gazebo, letting go of her wrists causing Gabriella to cradle it in pain. She should be used to these kind of lectures by now, she was on the receiving end of them every day. Sometimes she wished she was back at boarding school than having to listen to her mother complaints.
"Just imagine what would happen if Mr Evans saw you!"
Knowing it wasn't proper for a lady to roll her eyes Gabriella tried to stop herself. If there was one person she would be allowed to socialise with this entire summer it would be the most tiresome man in Albuquerque – Ryan Evans II. He was utterly ridiculous in her own opinion, he was amiable enough in her father's eyes and to her mother he would be Gabriella's perfect suitor. He considered himself pretty perfect as well, that was the problem.
"He would merely see me looking after my horse and conversing with another gentleman." Gabriella replied and she could tell her mother was not at all amused with her answer.
"A gentleman? Merely conversing? You are a gentleman's daughter you have absolutely no business talking to those...people...and they most definitely don't talk to you. They are the hired help, worthless—"
"I'm not sure what you saw mother but I saw a boy just the same as you and me. He was human was he not?" Now she had stepped out of line, her mother's eyes were now slits.
"Don't you dare speak to me like that again young lady. I want you out of those clothes this instant, into the dress on your bed and straight to your tutor. No riding for a week."
Gabriella's eyes widened in disbelief and opened her mouth, about to protest.
"Want to make it two?"
She then closed it, knowing it was pointless to go up against the wall which was Anita Montez otherwise she would just continue her punishment and start ranting in Spanish.
"Now go inside. Ask Emily for help."
Gabriella submissively nodded, and began to trudge up to their large mansion.
"And pick up your feet."
She groaned and mumbled under her breath, "Papa wouldn't do this—"
"Well he's not here is he?"
It was times like these Gabriella wanted to scream out as loud as she could and tell the whole world who she really wanted to be. She didn't want to be wealthy because she had living proof that money couldn't buy happiness- her parents. Not once in her life had she heard her parents exchange one loving word. She also couldn't care less if she was a lady of society or not, or she made her debut. To her mother these would be classified as profanities because nothing would please Anita more than to see her only child become a perfect debutante. That, and to marry Ryan Evans II.
Gabriella was never going to marry a man who couldn't treat her with respect or as an equal. She wouldn't become her mother either, controlling and materialistic. She would marry for love and love only, and however unrealistic this may sound to Anita it was all Gabriella wanted. Even if she had no money, and was cut of all her connections she would be content. That's all she'd ever ask for – to be happy with life, to be free.
That was why she had looked forward to riding Belle this morning because when she was riding she felt free, like she could do anything and nothing her parents could do would stop her. What she hadn't been expecting as she snuck into the stables earlier was to find someone already tending to Belle, and she had to admit it was a pleasant surprise.
Troy Bolton was actually quite young and she hadn't expected a boy to be tacking horses. Especially not a rather attractive boy who made Gabriella's heart flutter the moment she saw him. Having attended an all girl's boarding school for most of her young life she didn't particularly come into contact with boys and seeing him, and addressing her as an equal almost caused her to faint. He was rather attractive too; he had a handsome face with an olive complexion, his dark hair lightly falling onto his forehead, he seemed to have a strong build as well, not that Gabriella was the staring type...but what stood out to her was his crystal blue eyes and how'd they'd twinkle when he was grinning or soften when he was embarrassed or anxious.
He had indeed seemed anxious once she mentioned her name to him and Gabriella hoped she hadn't scared him away. Luckily, after a bit of coercing they managed to have a small conversation and she watched him as he tacked up her horse. That was what mesmerised her the more, the way he treated horses as his equal and how gentle he was with them. In return Belle allowed him to tack her up and Gabriella wished she knew how he did it because even her father had warned her how spirited Belle was. He was one of the first people she had met who fascinated her, beside her friends at boarding school and she hoped she'd meet him again soon.
"Miss Montez your mother asked I help you change." Emily, their youngest maid curtsied as Gabriella entered her house from the back terrace and Gabriella grimaced.
"Emily, please call me Gabriella...and you really not need curtsey for me."
Emily furrowed her brow in confusion and Gabriella sighed, knowing her mother had probably taught her these mannerisms. She didn't really feel comfortable being bowed or curtsied to and she asked everyone to call her Gabriella.
"Yes Miss...uh Gabriella."
"Thank you Emily, did my mother actually lay down my clothes?"
"Yes miss."
Gabriella groaned in annoyance, this was another tactic used by her mother in controlling her every move. If she lived under this roof she'd have to dress like a lady and that was one thing Gabriella didn't feel comfortable doing. Reluctantly she followed Emily up her abnormally large staircase and into her ensuite where on her large, four poster bed lay a pale pink sundress with her undergarments and corset. She really, really disliked her corset so much so that a year ago she tried to throw it away, until her mother caught her. They were obviously a male invention to make a woman look attractive to them and make it harder for them to breathe, and thus argue...hadn't stopped her mother though.
After finally changing into her undergarments Emily slipped on her corset and Gabriella assumed the position of holding onto her bedpost as Emily tightened the contraption around her. Gabriella was actually grateful her mother wasn't tightening it because sometimes Gabriella would go to bed with bruises on her ribs, yet with Emily Gabriella would tell her when to stop. When she had finally finished changing and checked herself in the mirror she made her way to the drawing room downstairs where her mother was talking to one of her tutor's.
"Ah Gabriella...you finally look like a lady." Anita exclaimed, clasping her hands together and Gabriella had to try not to roll her eyes again.
"I can only try mother."
Thankfully this snide comment went over her mother's head and she left Gabriella and her tutor alone.
"Hello Mr Harris, how are you?" Gabriella smiled warmly at the man who had been tutoring her since she was eleven and he returned the grin.
"Very well Gabriella, what did you do this time to have your Latin lesson moved forward?"
Gabriella chuckled; her and Gregory Harris had always been good friends and often joked about her parents antics, when they weren't around of course. Greg was a kind old man who was now a retired college professor and was always very encouraging and helpful with Gabriella.
"I decided to visit the stables and tack my own horse. I can't ride her for a whole week."
"That is unfortunate but not to worry I won't push you too hard this week, I understand you're on summer vacation."
Gabriella smiled sadly, and sat at the nearby desk. She really didn't enjoy having to take lessons during her vacation but her parents always insisted. So as she recited the list of nouns Mr Harris put in front her, her thoughts were not fixed on Latin but on the young boy who she met earlier.