#franjohn

"It seems inconceivable that he is gone. I had our entire lives planned. I thought I knew exactly what the future held, and now... It was only a headache. How could a headache take my husband away? For days, all I could think was how it is not fair. John was a good man. He deserved a better fate, a longer life. But that is not how I wish to remember him. It is quite something to spend your entire life feeling like you are somehow out of place. And then to meet someone who understands you before you even say a word. Someone whose singular qualities match your own. Whose kindness makes you feel warm. Who can read your mind from across a whole room. John was more than my husband. He was my truest friend. And I may ache at present, but… The good John brought into my life, that bond, that understanding, love, far outweighs any pain I feel right now. I would not change it. For anything." — Francesca Stirling

Benedict and Sophie's forbidden romance could be eye-opening to Eloise, showing her that marriage does not have to follow the rules dictated by society and that you can forge your own path/be true to yourself and still find love;

Francesca and John's lovely attempt to find their footing in their sexual life was a nice foil to Violet's journey back to sexual intimacy with someone who is not Edmund; it's also a clever way to introduce the theme of "two inexperienced characters figure out how to find pleasure with one another", I have grown tired of the whole "the man is the experienced one who teaches the woman how to have sex", it's nice to see that not every male character is a capital R Rake. (Plus not to be too Philoise on main, but I think it does set up the dynamic Eloise and Phillip will have when their season comes around, both being inexperienced virgins)

Speaking of John and Francesca, and circling back to Ben and Sophie (intersecting storylines, see?): I think that seeing Ben going against the ton by marrying Sophie will benefit Fran in the long run, once her feelings for Michaela will become more clear.