Who killed Evelyn Lund?

DESPITE suffering what he describes as a ten-month mental breakdown from the pressure of the investigation and the loss of his wife, Robert Lund is rebuilding his life.

He has a job as a labourer in neighbouring town Albi, and a companion in former family friend Barbara Bullen from Lammack, Blackburn, who is presently living at the farmhouse.

He speaks conversational French and enjoys tending to the animals, even riding his horse Harry, which Evelyn bought him as a present, around the French countryside.

He said: "I was never going to run away. I could never even fear what people said because I know it's not true. I love everything about life here. There is Andorra just two hours away in one direction and the mountains in the other. People are so much more laid back.

"My job has helped occupy my mind and I really enjoy it."

There are pictures of his nieces and nephews on Evelyn's side of the family dotted around the house as well as memories of his wife.

But he admits there was a yawning gap between the dream and reality of retirement in southern France.

In East Lancashire she was a devoted family woman with first husband Arthur Taylor, a building society manager from Burnley, to whom she was married for 22 years but who died of cancer with little warning. They had three daughters, twins Patricia of Franklin Road, Blackburn, and Elizabeth of Petersham Close, Milton Keynes, and Vicky, who is currently living in Tignes, France.

She never worked but lived for her animals and enjoyed life surrounded by many friends. Her request is to be cremated and her ashes sprinkled alongside those of her first husband at Burnley cemetery. In France, however, Evelyn, unable to speak the language, struggled to assimilate and missed her friends and family. Robert meanwhile flourished and warmed to his new role as "lord of the manor."

Robert insists his marriage to Evelyn was not motivated by money, but admits it has permitted him to live the country lifestyle he aspired to.

Evelyn grew more and more isolated and missed her family terribly. She turned to alcohol and her relationship with Robert began to crumble, becoming more tempestuous.