She knew her ears were blushing,
and wished, in that moment,
for long tresses to come back.

These up-dos were far too revealing;
and she, with her pale complexion,
could vaguely hide her interest.

Head turned, she watched him saunter
closer, greeting dignitaries at each step.
eyes burning into ivory skin.

The blush moved across her cheek
Down her stretched neck to
black velvet barely hiding her virginity.

Feet away, her balance drifted
hard against an empty table.
Her black fan whipped into eclipse.

“I see a profligate gaze this evening, mademoiselle.”
Tears behind dry eyes gasped for breath.
“And no other suits draw near.”

He kissed her animate hand. She bit her siren lip.
“My duty – solely to honor your beauty.
I sorely lack cupidity.”

With that he walked away, leaving her puzzled.
Was he a priest? Or a monk? Or perhaps royalty?
Too good for a peasant in black velvet and diamonds?

Suddenly, she understood, when his hand
hunted the backside of her elder brother.
Her ears went white again, and she grew older.