Hold onto your cravats, dear readers, because When He Was Wicked isn’t your typical pastel-toned Bridgerton romp. This sixth installment in Julia Quinn’s wildly popular series dives headfirst into the moody, grief-soaked, secretly-pining-over-your-dead-cousin’s-wife end of the romance pool. You know… light stuff.
The star of this scandalous show? The elusive, elegant, and emotionally scarred Francesca Bridgerton. That’s right—it’s finally her time to shine. And whew, does she bring the feels.
Francesca Bridgerton’s Story: Grief, Guilt & Gorgeous Men with Titles
Let’s start by catching up with Francesca Bridgerton, the mysterious middle child who vanishes from the family orgies—I mean, gatherings—more than once in the Netflix series.
In the Francesca Bridgerton book, she’s happily married to John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin. Yes, she married well, and yes, she actually loved the guy. Unfortunately, her marital bliss gets steamrolled by fate when John unexpectedly dies, leaving Francesca a widow at the ripe old age of 26. Tragic, right?
Enter: Michael Stirling, John’s cousin, best friend, and longtime secret admirer of Francesca. Yup. That kind of triangle.
So, who does Francesca Bridgerton marry in the books? That would eventually be Michael, the new Lord Kilmartin—and boy, does their road to happily-ever-after take its sweet, emotionally repressed time.
Does Francesca Marry Kilmartin? Oh, It’s Complicated
Let’s address the question that Bridgerton fans (and future Netflix binge-watchers) are Googling:
“Does Francesca marry Kilmartin?”
The answer: Yes. But it’s messy, emotional, and slow-burn AF.
Michael is tortured by his feelings for his cousin’s wife. Francesca is drowning in grief and absolutely not looking to fall in love with her late husband’s cousin. There’s guilt. There’s longing. There’s an awkward dinner party or two. And then… there’s passion.
This isn’t just a love story—it’s a story about survivors. People trying to build something beautiful from the broken bits life left behind.
The Spice Factor: When He Was Wicked Is… Well, Wicked
Of all the Bridgerton books, When He Was Wicked might just be the steamiest. The emotional stakes are high, but the bedroom stakes? Higher. The chemistry between Francesca and Michael practically smolders off the page.
Julia Quinn goes full steam ahead with the passion in this one—but balances it beautifully with the depth of emotion and character development. It’s not just hot for hot’s sake—it’s earned.
When He Was Wicked Book Review: So Many Feelings, So Few Pages
Time to get real. Here’s the actual review part—honest opinions, no tea left unspilled:
- Francesca is an underrated Bridgerton with real emotional complexity. She’s not flirty or funny like Eloise. She’s a grown woman who’s loved, lost, and is trying to figure herself out. We stan her quiet strength.
- Michael Stirling is a dreamboat of the tortured hero variety. He’s noble, romantic, and just angsty enough to keep things interesting. Also: he broods. Hot.
- The pacing? A little slow in the middle, especially when everyone’s deep in their feelings and not talking to each other. But when the emotional and physical payoff hits? It hits hard.
- This is hands down one of the most mature and emotionally satisfying books in the Bridgerton series. It asks real questions: Can you love again after grief? Is it betrayal to move on?
Francesca Bridgerton’s Husband(s): A Love Triangle Without the Triangle
Technically, she only ever marries John and Michael, but if longing glances were legally binding, Michael would’ve been wed 50 pages in.
John’s memory is beautifully respected in the book—he’s not just killed off for plot drama. He’s mourned. He’s loved. His absence shapes the whole story.
So if you’re wondering “What happened to Francesca Bridgerton?”, here’s your answer:
She lived, she lost, she loved again. And she did it all with elegance, resilience, and really good hair (probably).
Book Club Questions for When He Was Wicked (Because Yes, You’ll Want to Talk About It)
- Did you find Michael’s pining romantic… or borderline unhealthy?
- How does Francesca’s grief evolve throughout the novel?
- Is Francesca’s second love as powerful as her first?
- Do you think John would’ve approved of Francesca and Michael’s relationship?
- Would this book have worked without the steamy scenes?
Bonus question: Can we get Francesca more screen time in Season 3 already??
Final Thoughts: Francesca Bridgerton Deserves a Spotlight, and She Gets It Here
When He Was Wicked is a deeply emotional and gorgeously written love story that tackles grief, loyalty, and the terrifying idea that life—and love—can go on after loss. If you’ve ever wanted more depth from your historical romance, this is the Bridgerton book for you.
Now go cry into your tea and reread Chapter 18. You know the one.