>New England Octobers can be very wet, and I am wondering if they might mold...This is a problem for almost everyone saving bean seed. Let the beans dry on the vine if possible; but if rainfall is imminent, pick the "ripe" pods (those that are limp, shriveling, or translucent). Finish drying them indoors, preferably under a fan or close to a heating vent (if you have them) where they will dry quickly. Turn or stir the pods frequently, especially for the first few days.

If the pods get wet, you can shell out the beans to dry; but this should be done only as a last resort. The hilum (the "eye" of the seed) is more susceptible to damage when soft.