On one of my email accounts, I have an automatic signature. I wonder if old-t thought she was being straight with you b/c the email does say from ex-t on behalf of ... It would make sense that she is replying b/c the receptionist is out. She may not know that the automatic signature is there, or how to change it. Since the "from" has her name in it, I don't think I would interpret this as her being sneaky. But sneaky or not, I would prefer old t not be in the process at all. I would switch to setting appointments by phone.