- This page is about the book character. For the Netflix character, see Michaela Stirling
Michael Stirling is the husband of Francesca Stirling.
History[]
Early Life[]
Michael's father died when he was young, and he was taken into the household of his paternal uncle, the Earl of Kilmartin. He grew up close to his cousin, John Stirling. When he was old enough, he enlisted in the army and fought in the Napoleonic Wars. He became a famous rake in the ton.
In 1818, Michael attended the wedding of John to Francesca Bridgerton. When he met Francesca at their engagement party, Michael fell in love with her immediately. He kept his feelings hidden while John and Francesca married, but he remained their friends. To forget Francesca, he had many affairs, becoming known as the Merry Rake.
1820[]
Michael was at Kilmartin House in London with John and Francesca when they discussed celebrating their second anniversary. Francesca and Michael went out for a walk; when they came back, they discovered John dead. Francesca revealed that she was pregnant after John's death. Several weeks later, Michael was told by his mother, Helen, that Francesca had miscarried. As a result, Michael became the Earl of Kilmartin. Though Francesca asked for him, Michael still stayed away, consumed by guilt. She confronted him, and they end up getting into an argument about John and the baby. Upset by his behavior, Michael leaves for India to get as far away from Francesca as possible.
1824[]
Michael returned to London, and met Francesca again. He realized that he was still in love with her.
Personality[]
Relationships[]
Romantic[]
Francesca Stirling[]
Michael had been in love with Francesca ever since he first met her, and secretly pined after her the whole time she was married to his cousin, John. They became instant friends and close confidants, and spent much of their time together.
After John's death, Michael went to India, consumed with guilt over still wanting Francesca. Once he returned, the two spent more time together, and Francesca eventually fell in love with him. After years of trying to conceive a child together, they had two children, John and Janet, named after Michael's aunt and cousin.
Familial[]
John Stirling[]
Michael and John were first cousins, but Michael considered John a brother. After Michael's father died, he and John were raised together, and became close. When Michael fell in love with Francesca, he hated himself, feeling like he betrayed John. When John died, he was even more guilt-ridden, because he still loved Francesca. Michael later realized that John would've wanted him to take care of Francesca, and he would've been happy that they married. Michael let go of his guilt, and eventually had a son with Francesca that he named after John.
Friendships[]
Professional[]
Notes and Trivia[]
Appearances[]
Bridgerton Books | |||||
#01 | "The Duke and I" | #04 | "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" | #07 | "It's In His Kiss" |
#02 | "The Viscount Who Loved Me" | #05 | "To Sir Phillip, With Love" | #08 | "On The Way To The Wedding" |
#03 | "An Offer from a Gentleman" | #06 | "When He Was Wicked" | #09 | "The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After" |