Who does Francesca marry in Bridgerton? John Stirling is introduced in season 3

May 16, 2024, 3:15 p.m.

By Katie Louise Smith

Is Francesca Bridgerton marrying John Stirling? Here’s what happens in Francesca’s book with John and Michael Stirling.

The Bridgerton Chronicles Season 3 sees Francesca Bridgerton take on a much bigger role in the Netflix series, and her love interest has just been officially introduced. If you haven’t read the books, you may have missed the importance of John Stirling…

Francesca Bridgerton (played by Hannah Dodd replacing Ruby Stokes) is the focus of Julia Quinn’s sixth Bridgerton book, When he was bad. Her love story is not as simple as that of some of her siblings, and it also features a very tragic event that completely turns her life upside down.

Fans have described Francesca’s book as a much more intense and deeper story, with absolutely steamy chemistry and incredible sexual tension.

According to the timeline of the Netflix series, Francesca’s love story could be a few years away from hitting the screens. But for those who can’t wait and want to know what happens in her book, here’s what you need to know about who Francesca Bridgerton marries.

WARNING: spoilers ahead for Francesca Bridgerton’s book!

Who does Francesca Bridgerton marry in the Bridgerton books?

Francesca Bridgerton’s husband: who is John Stirling in The Bridgerton Chronicles?

After her start in society, Francesca met John Stirling, the 8th Earl of Kilmartin. The two then fall in love and marry, but they have no children together. Unfortunately, tragedy soon strikes when John dies suddenly and leaves Francesca a widow.

John Stirling is featured in The Bridgerton Chronicles season 3 (played by Victor Alli) as a potential suitor for Francesca. During her first year on the marriage market, Francesca meets several suitors, but none of them are a perfect fit for her in terms of quiet personality. One night, she meets John and the two make an instant connection.

Viewers only get a glimpse of the beginning of their relationship, but Part 2 will likely delve deeper into Francesca’s feelings about him and see their relationship develop a little more.

Francesca Bridgerton’s husband: who is Michael Stirling in The Bridgerton Chronicles?

The other half of Francesca’s story involves Michael Stirling, John’s cousin. Michael is a rake in every way, and he is – you guessed it! – completely in love with Francesca.

At first, Francesca does not share these feelings because she is married and in love with John. She considers Michael a dear cousin, a friend and a confidant, and nothing more.

However, when John dies suddenly, Francesca turns to Michael for much-needed support. Michael begins to feel guilty because of his feelings, but after the two share their first kiss, they both realize that their relationship is about to change forever.

Francesca ends up fleeing to Scotland because she feels like she has betrayed John’s memory. Michael follows her, determined to convince her but he fails at first. He then seduces her, going all out and convincing her that their feelings for each other are not something to feel guilty or ashamed of, but something that should instead be cherished.

Francesca and Michael marry and eventually have two children, John (named after her first husband) and Janet.

Michael likely won’t be featured in the Netflix series until Francesca’s story takes center stage. So stay tuned and watch this space…Francesca’s story is just beginning!

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