It seems rather unfair to fantasize about killing the innocent old lady, who is the only blameless one in the whole story. Do you really think that if your husband is away from Marguerite, everything will be ok? He'll just find someone else. Leave him for good, now. He doesn't value you enough.

Lucy, Florida, USA

I am not sure of the point of this long, rambling rant. She did marry a Frenchman after all, and the article implies that she already knew of his predilections at the time of the marriage.

Annette, London,

If I was in the same position, I too would be fantisizing about murder, but not the murder of an innocent old lady...it would be the selfish brute of a husband. But of course he only does it because he can.

Rita, Chesterfield,

I think the author is perhaps one of the last of people, who take the committment of marriage seriously. But she finally got the message and left her husband Pierre; hopefully forever! He'll have lots more tricks to try to get her attention! Get your own life, and enjoy people in same age group!

Micahel Sullivan, Toronto, Canada

There is one small detail in this story, which I would like to know: When the author first encountered "Pierre", was he still married to his first wife then?

Adrian, London, UK

It always amazes me that women choose to victimise the women rather than the real culprit...the husband, boyfriend etc. get real, the man's a lying toad, dump him as he'll never turn into a prince. He'll give you warts and leave his slime all over you. Run whilst you can. Now. Now. Now.

Nora, London, UK

This woman must be completely deranged. Why would killing an innocent woman help solve her problem with her unfaithful husband? If he wants to see the another woman he will see her wherever she works; and anyway, if it is not one woman, it will be another. She needs urgent help.

sandra, London, UK

That Pierre sounds amazing. There _must_ be something in the French diet.

Richard Clarke, Chicago, USA

Seems to me that Marguerite is just the latest in a long line - if it wasn't her it would be someone else. Why give some of the best years of your life to a man who doesn't appreciate you enough to be honest with you?

Sarah Hanson, London,

Obviously Pierre will never change. Do you want to put up with his games for the rest of your life? If so, stay with him. If not, divorce him, get on with your own life, and let him find shelter with one of his other women. Then Marguerite's care will be his responsibility, not yours.

Zoe, Warren Glen, NJ, USA

I have actually seen this type of thing in France for generations, having had relatives there. It is accepted in a very distasteful & unhealthy way. It wrecks family love and creates unrest in the home, which is supposed to be the Englishman's castle at any rate. Leave him; she'll die in 2 years max

Chris, London, England

From what I can infer of your husband's track record, it seems to me that even if Marguerite disappears, he will find another, as he seems addicted to the chase. Relationships are complex and only you can really know if he is worth it, but on the face of it, you deserve more than this! Be brave!!

Gem, Notts,

Please leave this horrid user and find happiness with someone else- or happiness and at least freedom from doubt by yourself!

Margaret, Ely, England

You want revenge but killing an old woman to sack E is just a fantasy- and a wicked one.
He is about to become a grumpy old man who cant pull the girls any more, and he is looking forward to a pampered old age at your expense. Get out while you can and leave him to massage his own ego.

j, oxford,

You write like an intelligent women.. it must have crossed your mind that he's manipulating you and stealing your potential for happiness. No matter how charming he may be, leave him now and begin living your own life; carefree and on your reasonable terms. What an awful human being your husband is.

louise, guadalajara, Mexico

I'm sure you'd find a decent man if you left him. You write well and your article made me wish I could talk to you face to face. Leave him, he's what we young women call a player, you deserve better. All the best to you.

louise, torquay, UK

If he is nearly twenty years older than you, you will soon be spending your time caring for an increasingly dependent old adulterer. Certainly, I can think of better things for you to be doing -- like finding a man who understands that when you commit your life to him, he must commit his to you.

Lina, Auckland, New Zealand

This has nothing to do with mother in law, its between you and the roue you have had the misfortune to be married to.How could you love someone who treats you so badly ? its an abusive relationship, and you are the victim, get to a therapist and lawyer, get you life together, divorce him, live.

Julie C., toronto,

I agree with John; it seems that is what you signed up for so you shouldn't be surprised betrayed by your husbands behavior.

Zeh, Atlanta, US

Middle-aged & senior humans behaving as if they are adolescents. Very mature. Elizabeth is not your rival. Selfish, immature, needy, narcissistic people are. Focus on your own self & health: find out why you married a man who had cheated on his first wife & expected him to treat you differently.

Katherine, Central Virginia, USA

Run for the hills. He's 70 and your in your fifties do you want to spend the rest of years caring for him? You still have a life time to live. You need new prospects in your life.

Melinda, San Jose, USA

Keep in mind that if you kill someone and dispose of the body in the house or grounds, you can never move home. Also, the fear of discovery will be constantly with you. So at a purely pragmatic level, either forget it or take the JCB operator's training course with a view to a garden remodelling.

Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan

You would be very stupid to go back to him. He is obviously the most superficial of men and plays very silly games round women - the fact he married you does not alter the fact that he plays them with you. He loves the attention that he gets from women and that is all. Move on.

Denise B, Oldbury,

Seems like you knew alot about your husband's background. It may seem a harsh question, but why did you think you could trust him enough to marry him, when you knew about his history?

John, Chaumont Gistoux, Belgium