What happens to Francesca's love life in Julia Quinn's book
Francesca Bridgerton, a character from Julia Quinn's acclaimed Bridgerton book series, recently attracted eyeballs in Season 3 of the hit Netflix show based on the books. Fans have been wondering what kind of a love story awaits the sixth Bridgerton sibling. In the texts, Francesca experiences a tumultuous love life. She is initially married to John Stirling but tragically becomes a widow two years into their union. However, love finds her again in the form of Michael Stirling, John's cousin.
Know more about the character and Bridgerton siblings
In the show, actor Hannah Todd has been cast as Francesca in Season 3. She took over Ruby Stokes who left the show for another Netflix gig. As mentioned, she's the sixth of the eight Bridgerton siblings and quite reserved by nature. Meanwhile, S03 focused on the third sibling, Colin and Penelope's love story, skipping Benedict's turn. It's unclear who'll lead the next season. After S03 Part I hit the streamer in May, Part II will come next month.
Netflix's Bridgerton series will likely follow Francesca's story in S06
Netflix's adaptation of the Bridgerton series has been more-or-less faithfully tracing each sibling's narrative from the books. Given Francesca's story takes the lead in When He Was Wicked, the sixth book in the series, the sixth season is expected to focus on her story, following her journey from widowhood to finding love again. Notably, Francesca's debut in society happened during the third season premiere where she was shown as 18 years old.
Francesca's debut and first marriage
Introvert Francesca's introduction to society is more subdued compared to her siblings, particularly when contrasted with Daphne's debut in the first season. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin. Their romance, which is less ostentatious than those of other Bridgertons, leads to their marriage. This event occurs between the third and fourth novels in Quinn's series. S03 shows us Francesca meeting John for the first time, too.
Tragedy strikes Francesca's life in 'When He Was Wicked'
Francesca's life takes a tragic turn when her husband, John, dies of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm two years into their marriage. She is pregnant at the time and suffers a miscarriage following John's sudden death. These heartbreaking events occur at the beginning of When He Was Wicked, providing readers with insights into Francesca and John's early marital years.
Francesca's second love story unfolds in the novel
As Francesca marries John between Books 3 and 4, her first marriage doesn't get much focus. The sixth book in the series centers on Francesca's second love story with Michael which finally brings her romance tale to the limelight. Michael falls for Francesca before her wedding to John and continues to harbor feelings for her throughout their marriage. After John's death, they part ways but reunite four years later when Michael returns to London and Francesca decides to remarry.
