Ute's instinct was sound and your follow-through has produced a much improved result which concentrates the viewers attention quite admirably on the principal character in this pleasant rural scene . Nicely done Simon .
Simon, I love the comp and what a beautiful being sharing the shot. Since you've gone down the road of editing, I would try to boost the atmo by lowing the contrast or converting to sepia or some other way to build up the drama.
