In the third season of ‘Bridgerton’, Francesca makes her debut and manages to attract some suitors. Among them, the Marquis of Samadani stands out, to whom Queen Charlotte introduced him, and the Earl of Kilmartin, for whom she feels quite an affinity and inclination. But what is the story of Lord Kilmartin in the Julia Quinn books on which the series is inspired?
The earl’s real name is John Stirling, and his story takes place in the novel ‘The Heart of a Bridgerton’. John Stirling is the 8th Earl of Kilmartin and the first husband of Francesca Bridgerton. His life is marked by secrets and challenges.
Although John and Francesca marry for love, their marriage is brief. On the day of his death, John did not have any serious health problems: he only complained of a persistent headache, although he refused to take laudanum due to a meeting with Lord Liverpool.
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A couple of hours later, he was found dead by his wife and cousin, Michael, who were returning from a walk. Shortly after, Francesca announces that she is pregnant, but unfortunately loses the baby. John and Michael were almost like brothers and, after the former’s death, his cousin becomes the new Earl of Kilmartin.
What is the name of Francesca Bridgerton’s husband?
In the first part of the third season of ‘Bridgerton’, the name of Count John Stirling is mentioned fleetingly. Although he goes somewhat unnoticed, his presence does not go unnoticed by those who are attentive to the details.
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The love story of Francesca Bridgerton and the Earl of Kilmartin, according to the books
According to the story described in the ‘Bridgerton’ book series, specifically in the novel ‘The Heart of a Bridgerton’, Lord John Stirling is the eighth Earl of Kilmartin and the first husband of Francesca Bridgerton.
Although they have a romantic history and truly love each other, Francesca and John’s happiness is cut short just two years after their wedding, when he mysteriously dies. According to what is explained in the book’s epilogue, the cause of death is an aneurysm, but in the Victorian Era there was not much information about this health problem.
Lord Kilmartin has no children with Francesca, because although she was pregnant before his departure, she sadly loses the baby shortly after.
