Parasols twirling about in full array

Holding at bay the sun of this August day

Milky complexioned ladies in taffeta and lace

Rouge and lip blush adorning their face

Strolling the promenade en route

To the Governor's cotillion

Many gentlemanly suitors they hold at bay

Gossipng with delight as they make their way

When the evening's festivities abate

Twirling parasols become flirtatious bate

The ladies making their way into the night

At the cafe`gentlemen offer cool refreshment

Iced beverages laced with a sprig of mint

Now 'neath soft moonlight, conversations whispered

Suggestions of a future romantic rendezvous

Tomorrow's idle gossip will spread

There will be not a thread of it unshared

All of the ladies sauntering along the promenade

Secretly, covertly aware, promises they'll not keep

For their game of tease is a facade

A game they play with would-be suitors

As they stroll the promenade