Emalyn's Treasure Read online

  His mother, Fiona—a gentle soul—inherited Dunaghy Manor from her beloved Emalyn. On the day of her husband Owen’s funeral, Emalyn was found slumped beside the casket. At first, Fiona thought her girl was only sleeping. She had a sweet smile on her lovely face and seemed so very peaceful. But when not even Fiona could rouse the sleeping beauty, she knew that her sweet Emalyn had succumbed to her grief. She’d often heard her and Owen say that they were like swans. They mated for life and if one of them passed away, the other was sure to die of a broken heart.

  To honor her two beloved “children,” Fiona built an enormous pond in front of Dunaghy Manor, and in it she put two white swans, who still, to this day, glide across the water in perfect contentment. When baby swans began to appear, Fiona simply had the pond enlarged so that the whole of the swan family could reside there peaceably.

  When tourists come through the town of Dungarran, many of them ask to see the Swan House.

  It does not disappoint. The swans are friendly to all, and will sometimes swim in tandem to chosen guests and nuzzle them with their necks. Tales are told that the swans have healing powers, and those who are touched find themselves free of whatever malady brought them there.

  Occasionally, there are tours through the Manor proper. Tourists gaze at the fine furnishings, the elegant marble throughout, the enormous crystal chandeliers, a lovely scalloped-back, green velvet chair that graces the foyer, and stunning portraits of the Dunaghy/ Meade families.

  But what attracts them most is a large gilded frame with a nameplate that reads: The Beggar Jude.

  Some understand and nod their heads. Others seem puzzled, for inside the frame is a feather, one shimmering white feather. Scripted in gold on fine parchment underneath the feather are these words: Emalyn’s Treasure.