What happens to John Stirling in the Bridgerton books? In the book, John suddenly dies from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. The event takes place early on in the novel as John lies down after suffering a headache. As Francesca returns from a walk with Michael, she finds him dead.

Readers quickly learn that Michael fell in love with Francesca at first sight — only they met just hours before her wedding to John. Two years later, John dies suddenly of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, leaving Francesca a widow and making Michael the new earl.

In Julia Quinn's "Bridgerton" books, Francesca marries John. However, he suddenly dies two years into their marriage, when Francesca is 22 years old.

In the books, Francesca marries John, and they are together for two years. Tragically, John dies from a brain aneurysm, and then his cousin, Michael Stirling, inherits the title Earl of Kilmartin.