This page is about the book character. For the Netflix character, see John Stirling John Stirling is the first husband of Francesca Stirling.
History[]
Early Life[]
John was the son of the Earl of Kilmartin, and hence the heir to the title. When his father's brother died, the Earl took in his nephew, Michael, and raised him alongside John. John and Michael developed a close relationship, as a result.
1818[]
Now the Earl, John met Francesca Bridgerton, and the two fell in love. They married two months later, with Michael attending their wedding.
1820[]
John and Francesca were about to celebrate their second anniversary, and were in London with Michael discussing how to celebrate. Michael noticed John wasn't feeling well, and John said he had a headache. When Francesca wanted to go out for a walk, John asked Michael to accompany her because he had a meeting later, and took a nap so he could feel better. When Francesca and Michael came back, they found out John hadn't woken up yet. When they went to wake him up, they sadly discovered that he was dead. John's family mourned his death, especially Francesca and Michael. Francesca revealed after John's death that she was pregnant, but she miscarried six weeks later.
Michael became the Earl of Kilmartin after John's death, and later married Francesca. They later had a son they named John.
Personality[]
Though an Earl, John Stirling always had a quiet, reserved nature, which perfectly suited Francesca Bridgerton. The two had an uncomplicated, comfortable love for each other, which is why his death made Francesca feel like she could never find true love again.
Relationships[]
Romantic[]
Francesca Bridgerton[]
John and Francesca met, and fell in love immediately. They married two months later. They knew how to silently communicate with each other, as neither liked to talk much, and both felt they could understand each other without words. When John suddenly died, Francesca was heartbroken, and remained in mourning for several years after his death. When she decided to marry again, she did not look for love, because Francesca thought that she could never love anyone as much as she loved John. When she was attracted to Michael, Francesca felt guilty, thinking she was betraying John. She realized, though, that John would've wanted her to be happy, and that he would be glad Francesca and Michael fell in love with each other.
Familial[]
Michael Stirling[]
He and his cousin Michael saw each other more like brothers than cousins. They were raised alongside one another and knew each other completely. John never knew that Michael was in love with Francesca, as Michael hid it, feeling guilty for falling for John's wife. When John died, Michael's guilt was compounded, as he inherited John's title, but could not express his feelings for Francesca. When Michael and Francesca later fell in love, Michael realized that John would've wanted them to be together, and finally let go of his guilty. He and Francesca named their son after John.
Janet Stirling[]
John loved his mother, Janet, and she loved him and Francesca, as well. When he died and Francesca revealed she was pregnant, Janet was hopeful to have a part of John still remaining. Francesca sadly miscarried, and Janet mourned the loss. When Francesca decided to remarry, Janet supported her decision. When Francesca married Michael, she was surprised, but approved, thankful that John got the chance to love Francesca first.
Friendships[]
Professional[]
Career[]
Notes and Trivia[]
- His father and Michael's father were twins, his father being the older one and thus becoming the heir apparent to the earldom of Kilmartin.
- The author's note states he died of a cerebral aneurysm.