Ross disappointed me with his attitude, and props to Elizabeth for not letting things get out of hand, that was an uncomfortable scene for me to watch. Anyway, I've found myself caring more about Francis than any other character this season, the scenes with his son were adorable and I'm really rooting for him and Elizabeth, they deserve happiness.

death of Francis and rape of his wife

I mean, surely Francis is insecure, stubborn (might be a family trait) and somewhat gullible with deep feelings of guilt, but he's never struck me as being a bad person. And now he's working on changing his attitude and it looks like he and Elizabeth are finally on the same page. Ross, on the other hand, is acting like a jerk.

Hope they don't follow the books too closely because I want to keep watching the show.

No Ross does it to prevent her from marrying the man you're talking of. The fact Ross is acting like a nasty person now is showing his evolution into the man he's about to become.

Not do the rape. But based on what you're saying about this new series, maybe they should. I believe the change was going to make it consensual so people could still root for Ross but it sounds like it'd destroy Elizabeth's character this season.