During the Victorian era there were strict social codes so ladies often used their fans to flirt and communicate nonverbally.

Twirling in the right hand
I love another

Drawing across the cheek
I love you

Presented shut
Do you love me?

Drawing across the eyes
I am sorry

Drawing through the hand
I hate you

Touching tip with finger
I wish to speak with you

Open and shut
You are cruel

Fanning slowly
I am married

Fanning quickly
I am engaged

With handle to lips
Kiss me

Open wide
Wait for me

Placed behind head
Don't forget me

With little finger extended
Good-bye

The shut fan held to the heart
You have won my love

The shut fan resting on the right eye
When may I be allowed to see you?

Presenting a number of sticks, fan partly opened
At what hour?

Pensively gazing at the closed fan
Why do you misunderstand me?

Clasping the hands under the open fan
I pray you forgive me

Cover the left ear with the open fan
Do not betray our secret

Shut the fully opened fan very slowly
I promise to marry you

~information from several different sources~