Every season of Bridgerton adapts one novel from Julia Quinn’s book series, focusing on one Bridgerton sibling, and although season 3 is Colin’s story, Francesca’s tale has been teased in the episodes, leading some to wonder who she ends up marrying. Netflix’s historical romance series premiered in December 2020 and was an immediate hit. Bridgerton season 1 followed the first book, The Duke and I, aka Daphne’s romance with Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, while season 2 adapted the second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, Anthony and Kate Sharma’s love story. Meanwhile, Francesca was barely seen until season 3.
Francesca (now played by Hannah Dodd, following in Ruby Stokes’ footsteps after Bridgerton season 3 recast the character) makes her debut to society during the season 3 premiere, as the sixth Bridgerton sibling is 18 years old. However, similar to Eloise in season 2, Francesca’s debut doesn’t go as well as Daphne’s in season 1 because she is much quieter and reserved than her siblings. Things change for Francesca, though, when she meets John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, in Bridgerton season 3, episode 3.
Francesca Marries John Stirling In The Bridgerton Books
The Couple Weds Between The Third & Fourth Books
John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, is Francesca Bridgerton’s first husband in the Bridgerton book series. Unfortunately, the couple’s wedding takes place between the third (An Offer from a Gentleman, Benedict’s story) and fourth (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Colin’s tale) novels, so the first couple of years of their marriage is barely explored on the page. Of course, that might change in the Netflix series, seeing as Bridgerton often makes changes to the books, and season 3 is straying from the narrative by laying the groundwork for Francesca and John’s courtship.
The match between Francesca and John certainly baffles her family, as it’s quieter than the other Bridgerton siblings’ romances, but it’s what she wants.
As seen in season 3, John wins over Francesca’s heart when he rearranges a piece of music for her. The match between Francesca and John certainly baffles her family, as it’s quieter than the other Bridgerton siblings’ romances, but it’s what she wants. It’s unclear if season 3, part 2 will show Francesca and John’s wedding, or stick to the books and have it happen offscreen. The timeline is already messed up since Bridgerton season 3 skips over Benedict’s love story for Colin and Penelope’s, so, perhaps the series will exhibit more of Francesca and John’s relationship than the novels did.
What Happens To John Stirling In The Bridgerton Books
John Dies After Being Married To Francesca For 2 Years
Unfortunately, tragedy strikes Francesca and John’s relationship almost two years into their marriage when John suddenly dies of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm at the couple’s home in Scotland. He had been complaining of a headache but thought nothing of it, and John is later found dead by Francesca and Michael Stirling, John’s cousin, after they return home from a walk. To make matters worse, Francesca is pregnant at the time but has a miscarriage following her husband’s sudden passing.
Bridgerton season 3, part 2 will give viewers more insight into the direction the show is taking with Francesca’s romance.
John’s death occurs at the beginning of When He Was Wicked, the sixth installment in the Bridgerton book series, which also clues readers into the first two years of Francesca and John’s marriage. A large portion of the novel follows Francesca’s grief after losing her husband, and, consequently, jumps around in time. However, When He Was Wicked also revolves around Francesca’s second love story (culminating in her second marriage).
Francesca Later Marries Michael Stirling, John’s Cousin
Francesca’s Second Wedding Happens In The Sixth Bridgerton Book
When He Was Wicked is Francesca Bridgerton’s story, but unlike her siblings, it begins with Francesca already married. The catch is that Francesca’s marriage to John isn’t the focus of her tale, instead, it’s her finding love again with Michael Stirling, John’s cousin. The book reveals that Michael fell in love with Francesca the moment he saw her — 36 hours before her and John’s wedding. He continued harboring secret feelings for his cousin’s wife in the following years, and the two became close friends. Following John’s death, Francesca and Michael go their separate ways.
Michael, who becomes the Earl of Kilmartin following his cousin’s death, shirks his responsibilities and escapes to India (because of his grief and as a way to run from his feelings for Francesca). As a result, Francesca takes care of the Kilmartin estate. Four years pass before Francesca and Michael see each other again when he returns to London and Francesca decides to remarry. By the end of When He Was Wicked, Francesca and Michael are in love, so, they get married and eventually have two children — John Stirling II and Janet Stirling.
Will Francesca’s Bridgerton Show Story Follow The Books?
Bridgerton Season 3 Introduced John Stirling
Following the release of Bridgerton season 3, part 1, the Netflix romance series is evidently following Francesca’s story in the books. Of course, it’s too early to definitively state if the show will be 100 percent truthful to the source material or stray from the novels. However, Bridgerton breaks tradition with Francesca’s romance by having it begin before her season, aligning with the original story since her marriage to John is quiet in Julia Quinn’s books (and mostly happens off the page).
