Married women take precedence in Jane Austen's world

In the universe of Jane Austen, a married woman always takes precedence over a single one, even if the latter is older than her. This strict rule of etiquette dictates the order of precedence within the high society of the time. For example, this status conferred by marriage deeply irritates Emma Woodhouse, who finds herself obliged to yield the first place to the vicar's wife.