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Like in the Netflix production, Francesca marries John Stirling in the Bridgerton books. Sadly, John dies from a ruptured brain aneurysm at their Scottish house two years after their wedding, as recorded in *When He Was Wicked*, the sixth novel of the Bridgerton series. Soon after she became a widow, Francesca miscarried; she grieves for her husband for over four years before she gets ready for a second marriage.
After that, Francesca goes back to London and runs across Michael, John's relative who she finds has been in love with her from the minute he met her. Later on, Francesca and Michael are married since their love is the one the books mostly explore. According to what readers know, Francesca is exactly in the books as she has only been romantically engaged with men; but, that should change during season three of Netflix's *Bridgerton*.
Many who have read the novel were shocked when John's relative was revealed in *Bridgerton* Season 3, part 2. John's relative is a woman named Michaela Stirling rather than a man by name Michael. When Francesca first encounters her in the Netflix historical romance series, she is clearly startled by her husband's relative. The writers have gender-swapped Michael's character, thereby also changing Francesca's sexuality from straight in the books to (presumably) bisexual on the program.
Author Julia Quinn of *Bridgerton* has past shown her support for and wish to see LGBTQ+ representation on the primary cast of the Netflix adaption. Though Season 3 merely has a brief scene between Francesca and Michaela, the episode obviously hints on what is to store for their relationship in next episodes. When Francesca meets John's relative—also a departure from the book—she is at a loss for words as in the source material Michael is the one who first starts to feel something for the Bridgerton sibling. Still, Michaela's appearance in *Bridgerton* reveals the creators of the show's wish to incorporate LGBTQ+ (major) characters and plots. The LGBTQ+ spokesperson for the series is Francesca, along with Benedict Bridgerton whose bisexuality has lately been verified.
Netflix's *Bridgerton* is well-known for faithfully translating parts of the book series' elements—including timeframes, character traits, and more—into its own. The most shocking change in Season 4 was on Francesca Bridgerton's sexuality. Chris Van Dusen created the historical romance software, which is based on Julia Quinn's set of same-named books. It tracks the honorable Bridgerton family. Over the show, every Bridgerton sibling discovers love; each season emphasizes the path of one character. But Francesca's road is different from that of her brothers.
Jess Brownell, the showrunner for Bridgerton, expects season 4 to be ready for premiere two years from now. Though it also shows Francesca's entry into society, *Bridgerton* season 3 revolves on Colin Bridgerton's and Penelope Featherington's courtship. The sixth Bridgerton child so encounters several suitors; one of them catches her eye especially. Though the episodes mostly track Colin and Penelope's journey, Francesca marries before the conclusion of season 3; this is because her true love story is not going to arrive until later. About Francesca's character, avid readers knew this; yet, what they were not aware of is that the Netflix series will alter her sexuality from the books.
As Brownell had pointed out, Francesca's story will surely differ from Julia Quinn's books even if only time will tell how it develops in the Netflix show. Season 3 hints that a romance between Francesca and Michaela is in the works (likely following John's death), even though it will be difficult for them to be together (and they might not be able to marry), which will probably be a part of their love story. So, it makes sense to assume that *Bridgerton* will somehow follow Francesca's journey in the books; however, it will be Michaela, not Michael, who ends up with Francesca.
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Speaking with *Glamour*, *Bridgerton* showrunner Jess Brownell defended the alterations to Francesca's sexuality and gender-swapping of John's relative. Brownell indicated:
"I know for people who love the book *When He Was Wicked*, that for a lot of people Michael Stirling is one of their favorite characters. I understand that people are going to have feelings about the fact that this character won't appear exactly as they expected. But first of all, we are going to try to honor the themes of the book as much as possible. Obviously, some changes will have to be made to the storyline, but there are ways to honor a lot of the book. I would also just say that the book still stands. Michael Stirling still exists in book world. Whereas, queer audiences haven't gotten the chance to see themselves represented in a major way on the show, which is a show that is, in so many other ways, so inclusive. So I would just ask people to channel some empathy for those viewers, and to understand the importance of us allowing those viewers to see themselves represented."
From Shondaland and creator Chris Van Dusen, Netflix’s *Bridgerton* is based on the romance novels of the same name by author Julia Quinn. The show follows the eight Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth as they search for love throughout the social season and navigate life in Regency-era England.
Source: *Glamour*