mr. bodley was already tottering toward them under the weight of a tea tray laden with seedcake , sponge cake , strawberry jam , marmalade , hot buttered crumpets in a basket wrapped in white linen , scones , clotted cream , almond biscuits , sardines on toast , a pot of beans baked with bacon and onion , a plate of sliced ham with gherkins , a bottle of brandy with two glasses , and-perhaps as an afterthought-a steaming teapot with two china cups and saucers alongside .