It's almost four o'clock. From the south towers the coal black cloud arch, heavy with threat. We set out to defy it, my new Burberry and I, fearing nothing. At first, it's simple. The raindrops slap my rain hat, slipping easily from the proofed cotton. Thunder grumbles from the south, the rain grows heavier, scratching and clawing at my mac.

Not so easy now. The rain begins to hiss, and rebound from the soaking pavement. It lashes us in a torrent..... It's five past four, we reach the open bus stop.

The black cloud has settled right above. Water cascades onto my mac, battering at it without mercy.... Twenty past four. Still no bus, rain tremendous, hammering, frenzied! Finally, at half past four, the bus appears. Gratefully we climb aboard. We drip streams of water. My mac has been baptised. What will be its next adventure, I wonder?