Reign, the rather romanticized and embellished chronicles of Mary Queen of Scots rise to power and her struggles along the way. I think we all know what this show is really focusing on, though. Every week there’s a new twist in Mary’s love life. The entire show is practically one big Romantic Moment of the Week, so it was rather difficult for me to choose just one. So, I’m giving you a slew of moments leading up to one that I thought was particularly moving.
For months now we’ve been watching as Mary’s attentions waver between Sebastian and Francis.
Photo: CW
Photo: CW
For a while, we were even lead to think she would marry Sebastian. Until a few weeks ago when the death of Clarissa changes the visions Nostradamus has of Mary and Francis’ marriage. Francis is supposedly no longer in danger of dying if he marries Mary. This revelation causes his mother to rush to try and convince Mary to marry Francis instead of Sebastian. Mary is now faced with a choice to make, stay with Sebastian or choose to go back to Francis.
It’s always been you.
When push comes to shove Mary gently lets down Sebastian, admitting that she loves them both, but that she loves Francis more. Running from her talk with Sebastian, Mary finds Francis in the hallway waiting for her. They embrace and she shows him the letter that the Queen had given her just before she spoke to Sebastian. This letter was supposed to be the letter from the Pope concerning Sebastian’s claim to the throne. However, when Francis opens it we see that it is just a blank piece of paper, meaning that the Queen didn’t actually try to sway Mary’s interest one way or another, but actually let her make the choice of who she loved on her own.
“She let me decide. It’s odd isn’t it that your mother was the one to show me what was truly in my heart. It’s you. It’s always been you.”
“Does this mean you’ll marry me?”
“Yes!”
The episode ends with the two getting married.
Now, let’s skip ahead to the next episode when Mary and Francis return after spending a few months away for their honeymoon. The pressure for Mary to get pregnant is great, and she is reminded of it at every turn. Even the Queen goes so far as to try and give her potions and elixirs to help her get pregnant. To make matters worse, Mary discovers that her friend Lola is actually pregnant with Francis’ child after only one night spent with him. During the next episode, Francis finally discovers that Mary knows about him and Lola spending the night together. This is when we come to the moment that really brought tears to my eyes and made me sigh.
Mary walks into her room later that night to find candles lit everywhere. Francis is there with a smile on his face waiting for her. Mary brings up the subject of Lola, claiming that she knows both of them regret their actions and that she forgives them. Henry then walks up to Mary, holding her close to him and then kissing her.
However, when he begins to undress her Mary pulls away.
“I’m not sure if there’s any point to that tonight.”
“What do you mean?”
“One thing I have learned from your mother’s many lectures and insights on pregnancy is that there are some days when it is likely and days when it is less likely. You’ve been vigorous in trying to achieve what we both want but I don’t think it’s going to happen tonight.”
Francis smiles and chuckles, looking adoringly at Mary. “Vigorous. Well, I like that. I thought you did too. I don’t make love to you because I want to have a baby. I want to have a baby because I love you.”
I don’t make love to you because I want to have a baby. I want to have a baby because I love you.
And then they go back to kissing, and I think you can guess what happens next. I just loved when Francis said that. It really showed how much he cares for Mary and her feelings. He isn’t so caught up in the court politics demanding that they get an heir as soon as possible. He makes sure that she knows that he loves her first and foremost. They seem to be a true love match. Sigh…
What did you think of Francis’ rather sweet sentiment? Are you rooting for him or Sebastian? Sound off below…
RELATED
Be sure to check out all of our Romantic Moments here.
Check out my review of Reign here.
ARE YOU A ROMANCE FAN? FOLLOW THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW:
Our romance-themed entertainment site is on a mission to help you find the best period dramas, romance movies, TV shows, and books. Other topics include Jane Austen, Classic Hollywood, TV Couples, Fairy Tales, Romantic Living, Romanticism, and more. We’re damsels not in distress fighting for the all-new optimistic Romantic Revolution. Join us and subscribe. For more information, see our About, Old-Fashioned Romance 101, Modern Romanticism 101, and Romantic Living 101.
First of all, thank you for showcasing one of the many amazing romantic moments which have occurred on this show, and second, thank you even more for making it a Mary and Francis one. Don’t get me wrong, Bash is great, but it is my humble opinion that they never would have worked because Mary was, is, and always will be hopelessly in love with Francis; as she herself said “It’s you, it’s always been you!”
Bash never stood a chance, and I’m really happy the writers have put him and Kenna together; after all she went through with Henry, she desperately needs someone like Bash to help her heal, and he will do a fantastic job.
Anyway, it was great having a two for the price of one romantic moment this time round, and with one of my favourite couples.
I enjoy this series immensely, and your awesome takes on some of the most romantic moments on TV; this one made my week.