1819. the day has arrived that francesca bridgerton reenters society four years after the death of her husband. in preparation for start of the marriage season, her employer, the infamous The Globe Theatre sets her on a journey to finish the composition of their most anticipated play yet - and it is to be performed at the first ball of the season: Violet Bridgerton's Masquerade Ball. with her return into English society, francesca grapples with the idea of starting her life again. this time, in the form of Michaela Stirling, john's cousin, who is paired with the widow to finish the arrangement in time for the ball.