What happens to Francesca in the Bridgerton books?

There were a couple of marriages in Bridgerton Season 3. One of them opens the possibility of the fifth Bridgerton sibling getting her love story next.

Caution: We’re delving into spoilers for Bridgerton Season 3 and from the books.

While the third season was mostly about Colin and Penelope, we did get some time with Francesca. In fact, it led to her marriage to John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin. It would seem like Francesca’s love story is done, except for that this isn’t her love story!

Yes, John and Francesca have some sort of love for each other. She is committed to her husband, and she is more than comfortable with him. They are ready to start their life anew in Scotland. However, there is still a love story to explore.

In the TV series, we met Michaela Stirling at the very end of Season 3. In the books, it’s Michael Stirling.

What happens to Francesca and John in the Bridgerton books?

There’s some heartache to come for Francesca and John. John dies two years into his marriage to Francesca in the books. This is sudden and unexpected, and John ends up leaving the earldom to his cousin, Michael.

Michael did meet Francesca before her wedding to John. Michael immediately falls in love with Francesca, but he keeps it respectful for his cousin. Francesca is interested in learning more about Michael, but she has some love for John and she has agreed to marry him. She isn’t going to change that.

When Michael ends up with the earldom, he panics and leaves for India. He lets Francesca run everything in his stead.

Do Michael and Francesca marry in the books?

Michael eventually returns from India, and his love for Francesca is still there. As it has been some time for Francesca to mourn, she is ready to remarry. When Michael suggests they marry, Francesca tells him that they can’t marry. Francesca was married to his cousin!

However, the two do start their love affair. At the same time, Francesca realizes that Michael has contracted malaria and she spends a lot of time taking care of him. This leads to the love blossoming between the two of them.

It all ends with a happily ever after moment, especially with both John’s and Michael’s mothers happy with the arrangement.

It’s going to be interesting to see how the TV show develops this with the gender swap. That changes everything for Michael’s storyline.