His arms locked around her, and her hands went around his neck. His pulse thundered in his ears, the sudden rush of blood making him dizzy. His cheek was hot and raw where her buttons had scraped it. Her breath came and went in heaving, whimpering gasps. Was she shaking, or was he? Or was it only the freezing rain hammering down on them? Thunder rumbled, recalling him to himself. “Can you stand?” “Thanks to you.” She wiped water from her eyes with one hand. The other was still tight around his neck. Reluctantly, he set her on her feet. “We ought to find shelter before the lightning reaches us.” Another bright flash. Already the thunder came sooner, more lightning on its heels. She drew in a deep breath. “There’s a farm that way.” He made out the shape, a few hundred yards off but distorted by the heavy rain. His hat had fallen when he caught her. He set it on his head and picked up the basket and folded umbrella.
