When He Was Wicked is the sixth novel in the Bridgerton series, by Julia Quinn. The book follows the love story of Francesca Bridgerton, the sixth Bridgerton child and third daughter.
Synopsis[]
In every life there is a turning point.
A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one’s life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.
After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca’s surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.
But that was then… Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love… until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets…[1]
Plot[]
PART ONE
March, 1820
London, England
Chapter 1
Michael Stirling sends a letter to his cousin, John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin while serving in the Napoleonic Wars.
Michael Stirling fell in love with Francesca Bridgerton the moment he first saw her: at the engagement party of Francesca and Michael’s cousin, John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin. Michael hid his feelings, being a well-known rake in the ton while developing self-hatred for loving Francesca. Despite that, he stayed close to both John and Francesca after they married.
Michael is with John and Francesca in London as they discuss how to celebrate their second anniversary. Francesca asks Michael for his opinion, but he’s reluctant to be included in the conversation. Francesca says Michael should get married, which annoys him. He finally suggests that they should go to Scotland and celebrate at Kilmartin, the family estate. Michael refuses to accompany them, which upsets Francesca. When she suggests him marrying Eloise, Michael flatly refuses, and John finally gets Francesca to stop her meddling.
Francesca wants to go out walking, but John has an appointment and asks Michael to accompany her. While Francesca goes to get her coat, Michael notices John looking unwell. John insists he only has a headache, and decides to take a nap before his meeting. Francesca returns, and she and John bid an affectionate farewell while Michael looks away in pain. Michael and Francesca head out to walk.
Chapter 2
John writes a letter to Michael while he’s serving in the Napoleonic Wars.
While walking with Michael, Francesca asks what’s wrong with Eloise. Michael firmly says he’s not going to marry her. Though Francesca says he doesn’t need to, Michael knows her too well to know that’s what she’s hoping for. Francesca then suggests that he tell her a wicked story of something he’s done. Michael admits he has no new stories for the week, which surprises Francesca. Michael suggests they head home, and Francesca suggests that it’s because he has a woman waiting in his bed. Michael banters back and forth with Francesca, and then they return back to Kilmartin House.
When they get there, John’s valet says he went to wake him up, but he didn’t respond. Francesca decides to go wake him up herself, while Michael decides to wait to borrow John’s carriage. Francesca heads upstairs; a few minutes later, Michael hears her scream. He runs up to the bedroom, where Francesca begs him to wake John up. Michael takes one look at John, and realizes he’s dead. Francesca screams for him to wake John up, while he stands there frozen. Francesca finally collapses from exhaustion, while Michael becomes frozen in shock.
The next day, Michael is dealing with Lord Winston, a member of the House of Lords, to talk about John’s seat. Winston needs to know if Francesca is pregnant, because that would determine whether Michael inherits the earldom or not. Michael refuses to ask Francesca the question when she’s still grieving, and Winston says he’ll ask. Michael becomes aggressive, and tells Winston to stay away from Francesca before ordering him to leave.
Michael is still hurting over John’s loss, and is even more hurt thinking about Francesca. Despite the two of them trying to handle details the best they could, neither knew how to process their grief. Michael is guilt-ridden over his love for Francesca, and John’s sudden death. Francesca tells Michael that she sent for John’s and Michael’s mothers from Scotland, and Michael tells her to rest. Francesca says she can’t, and tells Michael that she’s pregnant.
Chapter 3
Francesca writes a letter to Eloise one week after her wedding.
Six weeks later, Francesca is sitting with Janet Stirling, John’s mother, and they discuss her pregnancy. Janet is excited, say she’ll love the baby, regardless if it’s a boy or girl. They discuss Michael, and Francesca thinks about how she misses him. Janet hopes he’ll marry, which Francesca is reluctant to think about. Francesca decides to go upstairs and rest. Once she gets up, Janet reacts in shock, and Francesca looks in the same direction as Janet, and realizes there’s a blood stain on the seat where she was sitting.
Michael is in his own apartments, thinking about Francesca. He still loves her, and is still overwhelmed with guilt and grief, which is why he’s avoiding Francesca. He receives an urgent message from his mother, letting him know about Francesca’s miscarriage. He immediately rushes over to Kilmartin House, where’s he greeted by his mother, Helen Stirling. She lets him know that he’s now the Earl of Kilmartin, something Michael doesn’t want to be reminded. Helen tells him that Francesca is asking for him, but Michael doesn’t want to go, saying he can’t help her. Helen says he could still be her friend, but Michael flees, unwilling to face Francesca.
Chapter 4
Eloise writes a letter to Francesca three weeks after Francesca’s wedding.
A month later, Michael has officially become the Earl of Kilmartin. He’s still miserable, sitting in his own apartments instead of moving into Kilmartin House because he’s avoiding Francesca. She surprises him by showing up at his home. She asks why he won’t see her, because she needs her friend. Michael says he can’t understand what she’s been through, because she miscarried. She expresses how angry she is that she lost John and the baby, and she doesn’t want to lose Michael, too, but he keeps ignoring her. Michael finds it hard to reply. Francesca tells him the baby would’ve needed him too, as a father. Michael is shocked by this, and says he’s not John and he won’t take his place. He suddenly holds Francesca really tightly, gripped by terror, until she screams at him to let her go. He finally does, and she suggests that they keep apart for some time, before leaving.
Michael is miserable after Francesca leaves, and starts to drink. He eventually tells his valet that they’re leaving for India.
PART TWO
March, 1824
Four years later
Chapter 5
Michael writes a letter to Francesca a month after he arrives in India.
Francesca decides to remarry because she wants to have a baby. She heads to London early for the season, and starts choosing a wardrobe that no longer shows half-mourning to find someone else to marry.
Michael has just returned to England, deciding to finally leave India. He still loves Francesca and knows he’ll probably see her again, but he hopes they can at least be friends. He arrives in London in March, believing Francesca won’t be there yet.
Francesca is at Kilmartin House in London, but she’s freezing because the house hasn’t been prepared due to her early, spontaneous arrival, and it’s cold outside. She decides to head down to the library, and start a fire to get warmed up. She gets there, and is shocked to find Michael there.
Michael is just as surprised to see Francesca, immediately attracted by the sight of her. She asks why he didn’t write, and Michael points out she never responded to him. Francesca still says she could’ve sent a letter to let someone know he was returning. Michael says by the time he decided to return, it was too late to send a letter, and it would have arrived at the same time he did. He realizes she’s cold, and moves so she can stand by the fire, too. She hesitates, but comes over.
Francesca is just as surprised to see Michael, but is happy to have him home. She notices changes in him. Michael asks why she’s arrived, when she usually comes to London in April. Francesca asks how he knows, and Michael admits his mother told him. Francesca says she decided to come early, and admits she didn’t give the staff any notice, either. They both warm up next to the fire. Feeling awkward in Francesca’s presence, Michael calls for a servant. Michael asks why Francesca never wrote to him, and she responds that she was angry at him for leaving suddenly. Michael apologizes. Eventually, he leaves, and Francesca says she’s truly glad he’s back.
Chapter 6
Francesca tries to write to Michael after he writes to her, but she breaks down crying.
Michael wakes up and finds out Francesca went to her mother’s house so that people don’t talk about them living together without a chaperone, but asks him to visit her later. Michael has breakfast, then heads over to Number Five. Violet warmly greets Michael when he comes into the house. Francesca joins them, and Violet tells Michael to join them for dinner that night. He and Francesca start teasing each other, like they used to. Violet asks about his plans, and Michael admits he’s still trying to settle into the earldom. Violet suggests Francesca help him, and she readily agrees. Michael is grateful, and tells Francesca that she managed the estate well, which causes her to blush, something Michael is surprised by.
Michael and Francesca go out for a walk, reminding them of their past interactions. Francesca tells him that he’ll need to marry, and ambitious mamas will be suggesting their eligible daughters to him. Michael is afraid, and Francesca offers to be a matchmaker for him, but Michael flatly refuses. He tells Francesca to let him settle back in before she starts matchmaking, and she agrees. They come near the Serpentine, where several nurses and children are running around. Michael sees Francesca watching them, and tries to get her attention. She finally turns to Michael, and tells him she wants a baby.
Chapter 7
Michael writes another letter to Francesca six months after arriving in India.
Michael is shocked by her words, unable to speak. Francesca gets defensive, but Michael points out he wasn’t questioning her. Francesca apologizes, and says she’s decided she wants to have a baby of her own. Michael points out she needs to marry first, and Francesca replies that’s why she came to London early, to “shop for a husband.” Michael is surprised by her choice of words, but Francesca says women will pursue him the same way. At one point, Francesca is caught unaware when Michael looks at her at the same time that she looks at him, and she realizes he’s more attractive to her than before. She quickly says she needs to head to the dressmaker, and heads back to Number Five with Michael, stunned by her feelings for him.
Francesca heads to the modiste with Violet. She asks her mother why she never remarried. Violet says she was in shock after Edmund’s sudden death, and never thought about it afterwards because she was raising eight kids and had enough to keep them going. Francesca admits she’s worried about dishonoring John’s memory, but Violet says John would want her to be happy. Francesca wonders if she could be happy with someone she likes, but not loves. Violet says she’ll have to figure that out herself.
Michael is in a bad mood when he returns home, and is not able to take off his boots. He calls for Reivers, his valet, to help remove them, and learns the shoes are actually John’s. He’s immediately plagued by guilt, and asks Reivers not to use any more of John’s clothes for him. Michael thinks about Francesca’s declaration, and feels miserable at having to watch her court other men. He finally gets into bed, still angry and upset.
Chapter 8
Francesca starts writing a letter to Michael after receiving his second letter, but never finishes or sends it.
Francesca and Violet are waiting for Michael to join him for supper with Eloise and Hyacinth. Worried, Francesca decides to go to Kilmartin House. She arrives, and finds Michael in his room, running a fever and sickly. Though he plays it off, Francesca insists on knowing what’s wrong with him. Michael finally admits he has malaria. Francesca is terrified, but Michael assures her he’s not dying. Francesca wants to help, but Michael says he’s already taken medicine. Francesca brings him another blanket, and sits by his side. As he’s dozing off, Francesca hears Michael say that he enjoys her being by his side.
Michael wakes up the next morning, and sees Francesca fell asleep in the chair next to his bed. She wakes up, and he’s entranced by her beauty again. Francesca says he looks better, and Michael says he will be, then he’ll get sick the next day. Francesca reminds him about his mother and Janet coming to town, and Michael doesn’t want them to know. Francesca says he can’t avoid it. Michael asks about her mother, and Francesca remembers she sent a note to Violet, but didn’t specify that Michael had malaria. He expresses his gratitude for her company. Francesca is annoyed at him trying to hide his illness, and Michael says he doesn’t want to be pitied, which makes Francesca even more upset. He apologizes, and she leaves, heading back to Violet’s house.
Chapter 9
Michael sends a final letter to Francesca eight months after arriving in India.
Francesca is about to visit Michael, and Violet decides to join her. Francesca is worried about how Michael will look. Hyacinth decides to join too, to Francesca’s dismay. Violet says they’ll go at noon, and Francesca decides to head out and warn Michael. Violet talks to her alone, and asks if anything is going on between them. Francesca insists there isn’t, but she knows she has feelings for him. She heads out to stop Violet’s questioning.
Michael is surprised when Francesca bursts into his room, and lets him know her mother is coming over. She admits that Violet suspects they’re having an affair, which is outrageous to her. Michael is hurt by her reaction, but doesn’t show it. He hides his pain when she says that they could never be a couple. They banter about Michael’s rakish reputation, then he gets up to make himself presentable to Violet.
Violet postponed her visit after Colin’s surprise return, and Janet and Helen finally showed up, ensuring Michael and Francesca are not unchaperoned. They immediately start fussing over Michael while he’s ill. Francesca moves back into Kilmartin House and attends functions with Janet and Helen while Michael recovers, and is shocked by how many questions she gets about Michael. She realizes he’ll have to marry soon.
Michael finally recovers, and joins Francesca, Janet, and Helen for breakfast to show his recovered self. They immediately start pestering Michael about getting married, saying he should go to the tailor to get new clothes. Michael reveals he has meetings with other officials about the earldom and estate, surprising the ladies. Janet doesn’t let Michael evade the tailor, saying they can go tomorrow. Michael wants to protest, but Janet points out that they have to attend Violet’s birthday ball, which is coming up. Francesca teases him about meeting someone there, while Michael tries to tease her about her plans to marry this season.
Michael finally leaves the table, and Francesca wishes him well with his meetings. Michael silently nods, and Francesca remembers how she silently communicated the same way with John. Though she insists they’re just friends, she’s startled by the similarity in her conversations with both men.
Chapter 10
Francesca tries to write a letter to Michael after receiving his final letter, but is unable to write a word.
Francesca is hounded with questions about Michael during Violet’s birthday party. After fielding their questions, she’s waylaid by Lady Danbury, who says she wants to liven up the party. Francesca is worried, but Lady Danbury assures her that she won’t ruin her mother’s party. She sees Colin, and makes her way over to him, leaving Francesca alone.
To avoid other matrons, she goes over to Eloise, who’s with Kate and Sophie. Francesca bemoans about everyone asking her about Michael, and wishes he would show up. Sophie notices Francesca’s blue gown, indicating she’s out of mourning. Francesca confirms this, and all three women are happy to hear that. Kate says they should let men of the ton know, to Francesca’s dismay. However, Eloise distracts her with the news that Michael has arrived.
Francesca sees Michael being hounded by several women, while Kate and Sophie comment on how handsome he looks. Francesca is annoyed by their comments, though they don’t stop. Eloise then suggests Francesca go and greet Michael, which Francesca doesn’t want to do, but her sisters-in-law say that people may think they are estranged if she doesn’t. Francesca is still reluctant to go, thinking about how her relationship with Michael has changed. She finally goes to the ladies’ room, to the amusement of Eloise.
Chapter 11
Francesca starts to write a letter to John ten months after Michael’s departure, then tosses the paper in the fireplace.
Michael is watching Francesca from the moment he arrives till she leaves, even though he’s surrounded by several other young women. He excuses himself from the group, and greets Francesca, who has returned. Seeing Francesca smile at him makes Michael happier, then sad over the fact that he can never be with her. Francesca teases him about enjoying the company of other women, but reads his faces and realizes he dreads it, which makes her laugh. Michael is annoyed by his reputation, knowing it was a way to avoid his feelings for Francesca. He gets annoyed, and walks away from Francesca, saying he’ll mingle while she also turns away, upset by his outburst, and goes to mingle, as well.
Francesca wakes up the next morning, and is stunned to find several flower arrangements in the morning room. Her butler, Priestley, says they’re meant for her. Janet comes into the room, equally stunned. Francesca explains that she wants to have children, and Janet is understanding, saying she wants Francesca to be happy. Michael comes in, put out by all the flowers. Janet leaves to tell Helen, leaving Michael and Francesca alone. Michael is still annoyed, but Francesca says they’re both looking to marry, and he will be pursued as much as she is. Michael then soberly apologizes to her for what he said the previous evening, and Francesca accepts it, but wonders what has changed between them.
Chapter 12
Michael writes out a letter to John while he’s in India, then promptly burns it.
Michael is at the club, drowning his sorrows in brandy. He’s approached by Sir Geoffrey Fowler, who asks him about Francesca. Michael becomes stiff, but responds to Geoffrey’s inquiries about Francesca looking for a husband, and Michael providing a dowry for her. After Geoffrey leaves, Michael is accosted by two other gentlemen, also asking about Francesca. Michael bears the conversation by drinking more brandy. When Lord Hardwick makes inappropriate remarks about Francesca, Michael loses his temper and attacks Hardwick, nearly strangling him. He tells Hardwick and the rest of the men watching to not disrespect Francesca.
Michael starts to leave, but is called over by Colin. He stays, and joins Colin for another drink. After both their drinks arrive, Colin finally comes outright and tells Michael to marry Francesca. Michael is stunned, and immediately protests at Colin’s suggestion. He’s too consumed by guilt to give a decent excuse. Colin says Michael would be a better option for Francesca than any man who could possibly hurt her. Michael defends Francesca, saying she’d never choose someone who would hurt her. Michael finally leaves, unable to bear Colin’s perceptive glance. He’s stuck on Colin’s words.
Chapter 13
Helen sends a letter to Michael while he’s in India.
A week later, Michael is at the Burwick ball, watching Francesca entertain a group of her admirers. Helen encourages Michael to dance with Francesca, but he instead leads her to the floor. While dancing, he notices Francesca disappear, and goes after her after completing the dance. Michael realizes she’s gone out to the garden, and follows her out. He hears Francesca talking happily with someone, and wants to leave, but can’t. Suddenly, he hears her scream, and immediately runs towards her.
Francesca is trying to get away from Geoffrey, who is making unwanted advances after initially convincing her to go out to the garden and making polite conversation with her. She’s trapped by a tree when he tries to kiss her. Francesca desperately tries to push Geoffrey away, but Michael pulls Geoffrey off, and offers to kill Geoffrey for her. Francesca stops him, just saying he should leave. Michael threatens Geoffrey to stay away from Francesca before getting him to leave. Francesca is stunned to see the angry side of Michael, which she has never seen before. She decides to leave the party, and Michael says he’ll make excuses for her. He escorts her to the Kilmartin carriage. Francesca then asks how he knew she was in the garden, and Michael admits that he’s always watching her. Francesca leaves, thinking about Michael’s words.
Chapter 14
Michael writes a letter to Helen after receiving hers.
Francesca waits for Michael to return home that night, and listens through the door for him to come upstairs. She goes into the hall, and sees him, surprised by how handsome she now sees him to be. Francesca thanks Michael for saving her, and he starts to head off. Francesca stops him, still unsure of what to do, but finally asks him why he’s angry with her. Michael is shocked, and says he’s not angry with her, but Francesca insists he is.
Michael heads to bed, but Francesca follows him right into his room. Michael is tense, and tells her to leave, but Francesca asks why he’s angry with her. Michael insists he’s not, but Francesca accuses him of thinking she’s betraying John by wanting to remarry. Michael tries to say that’s not it, but she starts angrily venting, before turning away. Michael comes up behind her, demanding she complete her statement. Francesca turns around, and is stunned to find Michael so close to her.
Francesca realizes she wants Michael to kiss her. He pulls her close, and they finally kiss. Caught up in a heated embrace, Francesca finally pulls away. She looks at Michael, unable to go further, and he tells her to go. She leaves, then goes to her mother’s house the next day, and leaves to Scotland the day after, getting far away from Michael.
Chapter 15
Helen sends another letter to Michael two years after he’s left for India.
Michael knows Francesca left town to avoid him, despite the excuses she made. He’s upset by the turn of events, feeling he has destroyed his friendship with Francesca irreparably. Michael realizes there’s a ball that night, but instead, he decides to go visit a brothel. However, he’s not able to get Francesca out of his mind, and he leaves the brothel frustrated and heads to the club.
At the club, he meets Colin again. He tells Michael to follow Francesca to Scotland, which Michael is reluctant to do. Colin then announces his engagement to Penelope, surprising Michael. Michael keeps thinking that Francesca should be informed, and starts to leave, with Colin insinuating that he’ll probably not see Michael again for a while. Annoyed, Michael leaves. Michael arrives at Kilmartin several days later. He plans to convince Francesca to marry him.
Chapter 16
Michael responds to his mother’s letter two years after leaving for India.
Francesca is out for a walk, and comes back to Kilmartin as it starts to rain. Davies, the butler, lets her know someone has arrived, and Francesca realizes it’s Michael. Francesca goes to the rose drawing room to greet him, but is too nervous to actually talk. Michael finally greets her, and tells her about Colin and Penelope’s engagement. Francesca is happily surprised. She says she’ll have the earl’s bedchamber prepared, and move her own things to another wing of the house. Michael stops her then, wanting to speak about the kiss. He tells Francesca that everything has changed between them, and after thinking about it, he thinks they should get married.
Francesca is shocked by his statement, and Michael explains his reasons for suggesting this, saying they know each other well and Francesca wouldn’t have to move out, and can keep her title and position. Francesca is overwhelmed by his initial proposal, and is not able to give a firm refusal. She asks to think about it, and give a response the next morning. Before she can leave, Michael stops her, coming close to where she’s standing, and asks if she wants another kiss.
Chapter 17
Helen writes to Michael about Francesca while he’s in India.
Francesca tries to get away from Michael, but he corners her. She says their kiss was a mistake, but Michael says it won’t be if they marry. Francesca says they can’t marry, and when Michael asks why, she can’t come up with a reason. Michael starts seducing Francesca, to her shock, and she’s drawn in. Francesca tells Michael to tell her “something wicked.” Michael offers to tell Francesca how he’ll pleasure her. He describes how he’ll touch her, and asks if she wants him to stop. Francesca denies it, and Michael starts pleasuring her in the “wicked” ways he talked about. Michael carries Francesca and lays her down on the carpet, as they make love for the first time.
Chapter 18
Michael writes a letter to Helen three years after leaving to India.
Francesca is upset over feeling desire for Michael. She runs out of the house the following morning at dawn, not willing to face him. She’s found by Michael later while taking shelter under a tree due to the rain. Francesca is annoyed to see him, and refuses to return home with him. Michael assures her that he just wants to get out of the cold rain, and he won’t seduce her again. Francesca stubbornly refuses to move, and Michael picks her up, and places her on his horse, then gets on and rides away. Francesca is annoyed by how close they are on the saddle the entire ride.
Michael notices his horse going lame, and realizes they won’t be able to ride back to Kilmartin. He tells Francesca they should head to the nearby empty gardener’s cottage. Francesca is not liking the idea of being near him, but Michael says they have to because the storm is getting worse. Michael sends Francesca ahead, while he leads his horse. She takes the chance to get away from him.
Michael finally arrives, bloodied and dirty, at the cottage. Francesca is shocked by his state, but he explains he had to create a stall for the horse since there isn’t one. Francesca asks if his malaria could come back, but Michael says it won’t. He starts a fire, and Francesca tries to keep her distance. Michael decides to agree to her demand, and starts undressing from his chilly, wet clothes. Francesca is shocked, and tells him to redress, but he reminds her he’ll catch a chill if he doesn’t. She turns away as he undresses, then turns back when he covers himself with a blanket. He convinces Francesca to sit near the fire to prevent getting sick from her wet clothes.
While sitting near the fire, Michael asks her about his proposal the previous night. Francesca reminds him that he didn’t actually propose, but she won’t accept if he asks now. Michael decides to drop the topic, and there’s an awkward silence. Francesca finally says she will think about marrying him. Michael reminds her that she might already be pregnant, and Francesca says she’ll decide after she knows, for sure. Michael is angry, wanting Francesca to marry him for passion, not obligation. Eventually, he tells her it’s almost noon, which means his promise to not ravish her that morning is almost over. He comes over, and says he won’t seduce her without her permission. He asks Francesca to kiss him, and she gives in.
Chapter 19
Helen writes a letter to Francesca about Michael nine months before he returned to England.
Francesca wants to tell Michael to stop, but is unable to, surrendering to the passion she feels. They end up on the bed together, and Francesca takes control, and starts seducing Michael slowly. She teases him, thrilled to see how much desire he’s feeling for her. She finally lets him start seducing her, and he plays along to her game, asking what she wants him to do. She commands, and he acquiesces. Eventually, they make love again and, afterwards, lay together in a passionate embrace.
Chapter 20
Francesca replies to Helen’s letter about Michael.
Michael and Francesca head back to Kilmartin, and he again asks her to marry him. Francesca is unable to respond, and asks to think about it. He leaves her alone, still angry. Michael broods in his room, wondering about Francesca’s rejection. He then remembers John, and wonders what he would’ve thought of the situation. He realizes John would’ve wanted both him and Francesca to be happy.
Francesca waits for Michael to come to her room, but he never does. She has breakfast, and goes out, both nervously looking and trying to avoid Michael. She’s about to go out, then looks around for him once more, believing he’s watching. She finally leaves, not realizing Michael is at the top of the stairs, watching her. Several hours later, she returns, and Michael invites her into the library for tea. Francesca is suspicious, and asks what he’s up to. He finally hands her a bouquet of flowers, and explains he’s courting her. Francesca is uncomfortable in his presence, and tries to leave, but is unable to leave him. He offers to give her a farewell kiss on her hand, and she accepts. His lips touch her hand, and she’s gripped by desire. Michael offers her the option to stay or leave, and Francesca chooses to stay, letting him make love to her again.
Chapter 21
Francesca writers a letter to Violet after abruptly leaving London.
Three weeks later, Francesca finds out she’s not pregnant. The night after, Michael starts seducing her, but when he undresses, Francesca suddenly refuses him and gets up off the bed, heading to the door. Michael becomes angry, and Francesca is stunned to see how angry he is. He asks her why she stays if she refuses to marry him. Francesca is unable to answer, and Michael finally tells her to leave the house. Francesca is shocked, and asks her why. Michael finally lets loose his control, and tells Francesca that he loves her, and he’s been in love with her since the moment they met. Francesca is too stunned to speak, and Michael tells her he can’t bear to live without her being his, and tells her to leave, because he’s not strong enough to. Francesca flees, running to a gazebo outside that John had built for her. She sits there, and wonders why she is running.
Michael is so angry, he punches his hand into the wall, and refuses Reivers’ suggestion to get some ice for it. He’s loved Francesca for six years, but he hid his feelings until now. Some hours later, Michael hears a knock at his door, but is too exhausted to respond. When another louder knock comes, he finally responds and lets them enter. Francesca comes into the room. Michael waits for her to talk, and she finally says that she will marry him. Michael can’t move, but asks her why. Francesca admits she hasn’t figured out why yet. Michael warns her she can’t take her response back, and Francesca promises she won’t. Michael finally embraces her, moving them to the bed, and celebrating their engagement together.
Chapter 22
Violet replies to Francesca’s letter.
Francesca is sitting at her desk, trying to let her family know about her and Michael’s engagement. He comes in, then, with a letter from her mother. Francesca is surprised to see four sheets instead of one inside the envelope, and reacts with shock as she reads the contents. Michael asks her what it is, but she just keeps reading. When he becomes impatient, Francesca finally speaks up: Colin and Penelope got married over a month earlier than planned, and Eloise is engaged, with her marriage happening in three days. Francesca is annoyed that she’s missing everything, while Michael teases her frustration.
Francesca watches Michael, and realizes that he’s her best friend, which is a good sign for the marriage. Michael suddenly suggests that they get married that day. Francesca is surprised, and he asks if she wants a lavish wedding, which she admits she doesn’t. Michael says they should not wait. He starts seducing her, but refuses to go any further unless they are married. Francesca finally gives in, and they start getting ready to leave. Before they leave, Francesca demands that Michael not have any affairs after they marry. Michael is outraged, and assures Francesca that he would never cheat on her because he was only having affairs to forget his love for Francesca. They head out to get married.
That night, Michael joins Francesca in the earl’s bedroom. Both are wonder struck that they are now married. Francesca tells him that she’s glad she married him. Though Michael is disappointed that she hasn’t said she loves him, he’s still happy. They finally move to the bed, undress each other, and consummate their wedding night.
Chapter 23
Francesca writes a letter to Helen, announcing her and Michael’s marriage.
Two weeks after their marriage, Francesca realizes Michael is not well when she sees him at the breakfast table. Though he insists he’s fine, Francesca is worried, and finally makes him go back to bed. She believes he has another bout of malaria, but Michael insists he’s not. He still lets her take him to bed. Hours later, Francesca is sitting by Michael’s bedside, worried about his high fever. Michael wakes up for a moment, and allows Francesca to give him some tea. He still insists that he doesn’t have malaria. Francesca says she’s going for a walk, and leaves as he falls asleep again.
Francesca heads to the gazebo again, and starts crying, pained that she might be a widow again. As she thinks about John as well as Michael, Francesca realizes that she loves Michael. The thought of him dying makes her pained all over again. As the rain starts to pour, Francesca sits inside the gazebo, waiting for it to stop, and also wishing for Michael to not die.
Michael wakes up the next morning, weak and exhausted. Francesca comes into the room, and feeds him broth from the previous day’s supper. She checks to see if he has a fever, and realizes that he still does. Francesca becomes excited, and realizes Michael doesn’t have malaria, because his fever still hasn’t gone down. Though Michael tries to brush it off, he’s also relieved by Francesca’s revelation. She’s relieved that he’s not going to die. She wipes a few tears away, then says she needs to head out, but will be back soon. She leaves, while Michael wonders what has happened.
Chapter 24
Francesca writes a letter to Janet, announcing her and Michael’s marriage.
Michael feels well enough to get out of bed and clean himself up a few hours later. He sees Francesca heading off somewhere through the window. When Reivers arrives, Michael asks him if he knows where she went. Reivers doesn’t, but says that Francesca asked the gardener to cut some peonies for her. Michael remembers that peonies are John’s favorite flower, and realizes Francesca went to visit John’s grave. He decides to get dressed and follow her.
Francesca comes to John’s grave, arranging the peonies in front of his headstone. She talks to John, finally saying out loud that she loves Michael, and she believes John would approve of them being together. She realized that she loves Michael after he almost died. Francesca cries as all her bottled-up emotions finally come out. She hears a sound, and turns around to see Michael watching her. They embrace, and declare their love for each other. Michael is thrilled to hear her say she loves him. Michael silently says “thank you” to John’s grave as he and Francesca head back. She says she was planning to tell him later with a grand, romantic gesture. Michael says he didn’t need that, and Francesca agrees: all they need is each other.
Epilogue
June 1824
Janet writes a letter to Michael, saying she was surprised to hear of their marriage, but she wholeheartedly approves. Though she will always miss John, she feels that the two of them belong together. She gives her blessing to Michael and Francesca’s marriage, knowing they loved John, too. She thanks Michael for letting John love Francesca first.
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